DUKE 

UNIVERSITY 


LIBRARY 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 
Duke  University  Libraries 


https://archive.org/details/reportrecommenda01wisc 


W - - . ‘ r . -\r  -i . - • . ^ D . r.  ^ . A 

Vlv^'te  Sl<2:Je.  I -.  • :'  'Vi  "'.<_  a.. a.  ■_..  ViUA.o'\ 

REPORT  AND  RECOMMENDATIONS 

M 

OP  THE 


WISCONSIN  LEGISLATIVE  COMMITTEE 


TO  INVESTIGATE 


THE  WHITE  SLAVE  TRAFFIC 

AND  KINDRED  SUBJECTS 

(Created  by  Chapter  339,  Laws  of  1913.) 


COMMITTEE. 

Senate  Members.  Assembly  Mejibers. 

Howard  Teasdale,  Sparta,  Wis.,  Geo.  AV.  Bingham,  Friendship,  Wis., 
Chairman.  Secretary. 

Victor  Linley,  Superior,  Wis.  James  Dolan,  Platteville,  Wis. 

Robert  W.  Monk,  Neillsville,  Wis.  Carl  Minkley,  1269  19th  St., 

Milwaukee. 

R.  H.  Hillyer,  Madison,  Wis.,  Reporter. 


1914 


'sW-  s 

Jfc.. 


- ■ '•i">? ; 


STATE  OF  WISCONSIN 


: / ^P. 


Madison,  Wisconsin,  Nov.  2nd,  1914. 

To  the  Honorable  Senate  and  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Wi's- 
consin : 

Pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  Chapter  339,  laws  of  1913,  the 
joint  committee  appointed  to  investigate  and  report  on  the  sub- 
ject of  white  slave  traffic  and  kindred  subjects,  begs  leave  here- 
with to  submit  its  report  of  investigations,  with  recommenda- 
tions and  bills. 

Howard  Teasdale, 

Ghadrmam 
Victor  Linley, 

R.  W.  Monk, 

Geo.  W.  Bingham, 

James  Dolan, 

Carl  Minkley, 

Committee. 


STATE  OP  WISCONSIN 


REPORT  AND  RECOMMENDATION 

OF  THE 

WISCONSIN  LEGISLATIVE  COMMITTEE 

TO  INVESTIGATE 

THE  WHITE  SLAVE  TRAEFIC 

AND  KINDRED  SUBJECTS 


Introduction. 

Senate  Bill  No.  257,  S.,  published  May  29tli,  1913,  was  intro- 
duced by  Senator  Victor  Linley.  It  passed  the  senate  without 
a dissenting  vote,  and  passed  the  assembly  by  a vote  of  sixty- 
seven  to  thirteen,  was  signed  by  the  Governor,  aiul  became  Chap- 
ter 339  of  the  Laws  of  1913.  The  bill  reads  as  follows : 

An  Act 

To  provide  for  the  appointment  of  a committee  to  investigate 
and  report  on  the  subject  of  white  slave  traffic,  and  kin- 
dred subjects,  and  making  an  apiiropriation  therefor. 

The  people  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate 
and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows: 

Section  1.  A special  joint  committee  consisting  of  three 
members  of  the  senate  and  three  members  of  the  assemblj' 
shall  be  appointed  in  the  manner  that  standing  joint  commit- 
tees are  appointed.  Such  committee  shall  fully  investigate  the 
causes  and  conditions  of  and  remedies  for  the  white  slave 
traffic,  prostitution,  the  owum'ship  of  properties  ivherein  and 
whereon  prostitution  is  carried  on,  the  causes  of  the  nonen- 
forcement of  law  in  such  cases,  in  the  various  communities  of 


G Keport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

Wiseoiisiu,  and  shall  make  full  report  thereof  to  the  next  ses- 
sion of  the  legislature,  to  be  held  in  1915,  and  shall  submit  such 
bill  or  bills  as  may  be  expedient. 

Section  2.  Such  committee  by  a majority  vote  of  the  mem- 
bers thereof,  is  vested  with  jiienary  power  to  perform  and  dis- 
charge the  duties  by  this  act  enjoined.  Any  member  of  said 
committee  shall  have  power  to  administer  oaths  to  persons 
appearing  before  such  committee. 

Section  3.  Such  committee  shall  have  the  power  to  employ 
such  stenographers,  clerks,  assistants  and  experts  as  it  may 
deem  necessary  and  expedient  tor  the  proper  discharge  of  the 
duties  assigned  to  it,  and  to  fix  the  compensation  of  such  per- 
sons as  it  may  employ. 

Section  4.  Said,  committee  is  authorized  to  hold  such  meet- 
ings at  such  places  and  at  such  dates  as  it  shall  deem  most 
expedient. 

Section  5.  Said  committee  may  by  subpoena,  issued  over  the 
signature  of  the  chairman  or  acting  chairman  of  said  com- 
mittee and  served  in  the  manner  in  which  circuit  court  sub- 
poenas are  served,  summon  and  compel  the  attendance  of  wit- 
nesses and  the  production  of  all  books,  papers,  documents,  and 
records  necessary  or  convenient  to  be  examined  or  used  by 
them  m the  course  of  the  discharge  of  their  duties. 

Section  6.  If  any  witnesses  subpoenaed  to  appear  before 
said  committee  shall  refuse  to  appear  or  to  answer  inquiries 
propounded,  or  shall  fail  or  refuse  to  produce  books,  docu- 
ments, papers  and  records,  within  his  possession  or  controi 
when  the  same  are  demanded  by  said  committee,  such  com- 
mittee shall  report  the  facts  to  the  circuit  court  of  the  county 
in  which  such  examination  is  being  conducted,  and  it  shall  be 
the  duty  of  such  court  to  compel  obedience  to  such  subpoena 
by  attachment  proceedings  for  contempt,  as  in  case  of  dis- 
obedience of  the  requirements  of  a subpoena  issued  from  such 
court,  or  a refusal  to  testify  therein. 

Section  7.  Said  committee  is  authorized  to  print  ten  thou- 
sand copies  of  its  findings  for  public  distribution  and  send  to 
each  member  of  the  legislature  at  least  sixty  days  before  the 
convening  of  the  next  session  of  the  legislature,  a copy  of  the 
proposed  bill  or  bills  framed,  together  with  a copy  of  the 
findings  and  recommendations  of  such  committee. 

Section  8.  Each  member  of  said  committee  shall  be  reim 
bursed  by  the  state  for  his  actual  necessary  expenses,  but  shall 
receive  no  compensation  for  the  time  devoted  to  the  work  of 
such  committee. 

Section  9.  There  is  appropriated  ten  thoiisand  dollars,  pay- 
able from  any  moneys  in  the  general  fund,  not  otherwise  ap- 
propriated, for  the  legislatiA'o  committee  for  the  iiiA'estigation 


BliPOR'r  OP  THE  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


7 


of  the  white  slave  traffic  and  kindred  subjects,  for  carrying 
out  the  provisions  of  this  act. 

Section  10.  This  act  shall  take  effect  upon  passage  and 
publication. 

Preface. 

The  following  report  presents  to  a limited  extent  the  condi- 
tions found  to  exist  in  this  state.  In  many  instances  the  facts 
disclosed  to  this  committee  are  of  such  an  astounding  and  sen- 
sational nature  that  their  publication  herein  would  be  unwise. 
In  order  to  make  this  report  as  free  from  suggestiveness  as  pos- 
sible, and  still  present  to  adult  readers  the  deplorable  condi- 
tions found  to  exist,  the  language  used  by  investigators  and 
witnesses  has  been  carefully  censored. 

Organization  op  Committee. 

Pursuant  to  the  commands  of  the  above  act,  the  Senate,  on 
July  25th,  1913,  selected  Senators  Howard  Teasdale  of  Sparta, 
Victor  Linley  of  Superior,  and  Robert  W.  Monk  of  Neillsville 
as  Senate  members  of  the  committee,  and  on  August  29th, 
1913,  the  Assembly  selected  Hon.  George  W.  Bingham  of 
Friendship,  Hon.  James  Dolan  of  Platteville,  and  Hon.  Carl 
Minkley  of  Milwaukee  as  Assembly  members  of  the  committee. 

The  members  of  this  committee  were  recpiired  to  serve  without 
compensation,  having  only  their  actual  expenses  paid  by  the  state. 

The  committee  met  for  organization  on  the  20th  day  of  Au- 
gust, at  which  meeting  Senator  Howard  Teasdale  was  selected 
to  be  chairman  and  Hon.  George  W.  Bingham  to  be  secretary. 

The  committee  was  not  appointed  as  a graft  investigating  body 
nor  as  a prosecuting  body,  but,  by  the  terms  of  the  law,  was  re- 
quired to  fully  investigate  causes  and  conditions  of,  and  remedies 
for,  the  ‘ ‘ white  slave  traffic  ’ ’ and  prostitution,  and  to  inquire 
into  the  ownership  and  conduct  of  properties  wherein  and  where- 
on prostitution  is  carried  on,  and  to  aseerfain  the  reasons  for 
the  nonenforcement  of  existing  laws  in  various  localities  of  the 
state,  and  to  make  a full  report  upon  the  above  mentioned  sub- 
jects to  the  next  session  of  the  legislature,  and  to  submit  such  a 
bill  or  bills  as  may  be  considered  expedient  by  the  committee. 

Early  in  its  operations,  the  committee  found  that  the  problem 
of  commercialized  vice  is  one  involving  very  many  subordinate 


8 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  CoMiiiTTEE. 


social  aud  economic  problems.  It  found  that  there  is  no  more 
demoralizing  influence  in  the  state  of  Wisconsin  than  prostitu- 
tion with  its  attendant  evils;  none  causing  a greater  economic 
loss  to  the  state ; and  none  more  difficult  to  eradicate  aud  deprive 
of  its  inducements  and  its  control  of  political  power. 

Immediately  upon  its  organization,  the  chairman  and  secre- 
tary of  the  committee  went  to  Chicago  to  ascertain  how  other 
like  commissions  had  pursued  their  tasks.  Interviews  were  had 
with  Mr.  Clifford  Eoe,  then  counsel  of  the  American  Vigilance 
Association,  Mr.  James  B.  Reynolds,  then  general  counsel  of  the 
Rockefeller  Foundation  Investigation,  United  States  District  At- 
torney Edwin  Sims,  and  many  other  of  th*  leading  social  work- 
ers of  the  United  States.  The  committee  was  advised  bj’  these 
leaders  that  the  funds  at  its  disposal  were  insufficient  to  even 
approach  a full  investigation  of  the  underlying  factors  of  com- 
mercialized vice.  It  is  a pleasure  to  state  that  every  means  at 
the  disposal  of  the  American  Vigilance  Association,  now  known 
as  the  American  Social  Hygiene  Association,  was  placed  at 
the  disposal  of  this  committee,  and  valuable  assistance  was  ren- 
dered by  Mr.  James  Bronson  Reynolds,  the  j^resent  executive 
head  of  the  American  Social  Hygiene  Association,  in  initiating 
the  work  of  investigation. 

The  committee  soon  discovered  that  an  investigation  on  a large 
scale,  such  as  was  to  be  undertaken  by  the  Wisconsin  committee 
was  a much  more  difficult  and  intricate  matter  than  an  investi 
gation  in  a given  community,  such  as  Chicago,  Now  ’^"ork,  Phila- 
delphia or  Syracuse.  The  wide  variance  of  the  problem  of  the 
social  evil,  extending  its  influence  even  into  small  towns  aud  vil- 
lages, had  to  be  kept  in  the  attention  of  the  committee,  as  well  as 
the  better  understood  conditions  existing  in  the  larger  cities  such 
as  Milwaukee  and  Superior.  In  order  to  get  all  the  light  avail- 
able upon  the  problems  confronting  the  committee,  all  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  committee  went  to  Minneapolis  and  devoted  about  a 
iveek  to  conferences  regarding  the  various  phases  of  the  problem 
of  commercialized  vice  with  some  of  the  prominent  authorities 
who  were  in  attendance  at  the  World's  Purity  Congress  in  that 
city.  The  committee  secured  the  reports  from  every  like 
commission  that  had  investigated  the  conditions  in  otlier  cities 
and  states  of  the  United  States,  made  a study  of  the  best  pub- 
lished works  along  tliese  lines,  such  as  PI exncr’s  “Prostitution  in 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


9 


Euroi)e.  ” Thu  AViscoiisiu  Report  will  quote  quite  liberally  from 
these  reports  and  books  iu  order  to  show  that  the  evil  not  only 
exists  in  other  states  and  cities,  but  also  that  in  its  general  as- 
pects and  mode  of  operation  it  is  the  same  in  Wisconsin  as  else- 
where. Certain  paragraphs  from  other  reports  fittingly  jiresent 
the  general  conditions  existing  in  Wisconsin,  as,  for  example,  the 
following : 

(Pittsburg  Report,  1913,  page  36.)  “The  evil  is  so  stupen- 
dous, so  intertwined  with  human  nature,  so  fortified  by  the 
hopeless  pessimism  of  the  past,  so  densely  beclouded  by  a 
perilous  reticence,  that  many  a weary  march  and  many  a bit- 
ter battle  must  come  before  the  final  victory,  ere  the  world 
will  realize  that  there  is  no  necessary  evil — that  ivhat  is  nec- 
essary is  not  evil,  and  what  is  evil  is  not  necessary. 

“Our  investigations  and  conclusions  are  not  intended  to 
cover  all  the  problems  of  private  sexual  immorality.  We  have 
dealt  primarily  with  that -vice  carried  on  for  profit.” 

(Philadelphia  Report,  1913,  page  4.)  “Our  conclusions  do 
not  attempt  to  solve  all  the  problems  of  private  sexual  immor- 
ality. Our  investigation  and  this  report  deal  chiefly  with 
commercialized  vice,  and  these  two  must  not  be  confused. 
The  one  is  individual,  largely  beyond  police  control,  to  be 
lessened  only  by  education,  moral  training’,  and  general  social 
uplift.  The  other  is  a public  evil,  a menace  to  the  community, 
and  as  such  essentially  a police  jiroblem,” 

(Quoted  from  Dr.  Charles  W.  Eliot.)  “If  the  civilization 
of  the  Avhite  race  is  to  survive,  it  must  lie  saved  through  the 
diffusion  and  adoption  of  sound  policies  in  regard  to  social 
hygiene,  carried  (mthusiastieally  and  persistently  into  action. 

“To  cure  the  terribly  destructive  evils  Avhich  threaten  the 
life  of  modern  ciyilization  will  be  essentially  an  achievement 
of  education.  Prostitution,  whether  open  or  clandestine,  and 
alcoholism  can  be  cured  only  by  improving  the  health  and 
morals  of  individual  men  and  women.  Legislation  can  restrict 
or  diminish  these  evils,  but  cannot  control,  much  less  eradicate 
the  passions  and  appetites  from  Avhieh  they  proceed.  The 
education  of  the  public  reciuires  open  discussion  of  the  evils 
in  order  to  secure  the  adoption  of  measures  adapted  to  restrict 
or  diminish  vice,  to  cure  disease,  and  to  preA^ent  widespread 
contagion.  The  education  of  the  indiAudual  should  include 
knoAvledge  of  the  erraA^e  risks  for  himself  and  those  dear  to  him 
Avhich  the  thoughtless  pleasure-seeker  may  run,  of  the  feasibil- 
ity and  advantageous  results  of  self-control  and  personal  pur- 


10 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  yicE  Committee. 


ity,  and  of  the  wisdom  of  not  endangering  the  liigliest  satis- 
faction of  life  for  the  sake  of  momentary  gratification  of  ph\'- 
sical  desires;  and  with  this  knowledge  slioiild  be  implanted 
and  cultivated  the  ruling  motives  of  self-respect,  chivalrous 
honor  and  Avholesome  love.” 

In  order  to  obtain  the  opinion  of  the  leading  social  and  civic 
workers  of  Wisconsin,  the  committee  sent  a letter  to  every  mayor 
in  the  state  requesting  the  names  of  six  or  more  per.sons  in  each 
community  who  were  interested  in  the  moral  betterment  of  the 
community.  By  this  means,  the  names  of  many  of  the  leading 
social  workers  of  Wisconsin  were  secured.  Requests  ivere  made 
of  these  persons  for  any  information  Avhich  they  might  possess 
regarding  local  conditions.  Some  fourteen  hundred  question- 
aires,  covering  various  topics  under  the  general  head  of  the  so- 
cial evil,  Avere  sent  out  to  these  social  Avorkers,  and  by  this  means 
some  idea  Avas  secured  in  regard  to  a method  of  proceeding  in  the 
individual  communities.  The  replies  to  questions  were  A’alu- 
able  in  shoAving  local  conditions  but  many  were  so  incomplete  as 
to  be  of  little  statistical  valiie.  In  addition  to  the  questionaire. 
the  committee  sent  secret  investigators  into  the  communities  re- 
puted to  have  houses  of  prostitution  and  other  forms  of  commer- 
cialized vice.  The  investigators  were  persons  recommended  by 
the  Burns  DetectiA^e  Agency,  the  American  Social  Hygiene  As- 
sociation and  other  organizations  of  unquestionable  standing  in 
the  United  States.  In  addition  to  the  work  done  by  these  inves- 
tigators, who  sought  to  mingle  as  much  as  possible  Avith  prosti- 
tutes and  procurers  and  madams  and  so  obtain  first-hand  infor- 
mation, the  chairman  of  the  committee  also  Avent  to  each  of  those 
communities  and  intervieAAmd  the  leading  social  workers  and  of- 
ficials and  other  responsible  citizens  Avith  regard  to  the  existence 
of  commercialized  vice  in  their  particular  communities. 

Public  hearings  were  conducted  in  thirteen  of  the  larger  cen- 
ters of  population  of  the  state  in  order  to  call  the  attention  of  the 
public  to  the  evils  existing  in  such  communities.  These  hearings 
Avere,  in  the  main,  public,  but  there  were  also  executiA’e  sessions 
Avhen  it  was  thought  best  to  gather  testimony  behind  closed  doors 
from  individuals  who  might  otherAvise  be  embarrassed  by  a public 
hearing.  The  committee  attempted  in  every  way  possible  to  secure 
as  Avide  and  general  a point  of  Auew  as  possible,  and  to  this  end 
called  physicians,  ministers,  educators,  laAAwers,  employers,  lead- 
ing social  workers,  saloon  keepers,  hotel  proprietors,  factory  ent- 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


11 


plo^'ces  and  many  others.  It  was  tlie  aim  of  the  committee  to 
get  tlie  attitude  of  not  only  those  who  are  opiiosed  to  commer- 
cialized prostitution  in  every  form,  but  also  to  hear  the  testimony 
of  persons  actually  engaged  in  the  business  of  prostitution.  To 
this  end  many  keepers  and  inmates  of  houses  of  prostitution  were 
examined  and  their  statements  make  up  a portion  of  the  report  of 
tliis  committee.  Municipal  officers  were  called  and  examined  as 
to  the  enforcement  of  the  law  in  their  particular  communities. 
They  were  requested  to  give  their  experiences  in  connection  with 
enforcing  the  law,  and  in  case  such  laws  were  not  being  actively 
put  into  operation,  to  explain  their  reasons  for  such  apparent 
neglect.  It  was  found  that  in  many  cities  the  laws  relating  to 
prostitution  and  allied  subjects  are  very  well  enforced.  Much 
recognition  must  be  given  to  such  organizations  as  the  Milwaukee 
Society  For  The  Suppression  of  Commercialized  Vice,  which  at 
considerable  expense  to  certain  citizens  of  that  community  has 
done  a great  work  in  securing  the  enforcement  of  the  Injunction 
and  Abatement  law.  It  is  the  belief  of  this  committee  that  such 
organizations  should  be  propagated  in  other  communities  to  assist 
in  securing  law  enforcement  and  should  receive  the  moral  and 
financial  support  of  intelligent  citizens,  especially  in  view  of  the 
fact  that  there  is  no  permanent  vice  commission  yet  organized 
in  Wisconsin.  Finally  a conference  Avas  called  to  consider  the 
proposed  recommendations  of  the  committee. 

A special  note  of  appreciation  must  be  inserted  in  this  report 
in  thanks  to  the  cooperation  and  seiwices  of  a large  number  of 
persons  and  organizations,  not  only  in  Wisconsin,  but  in  other 
parts  of  the  United  States.  The' committee  desires  especially  to 
publicly  thank  the  following  individuals  for  their  assistance  in 
initiating  the  work  of  organization  and  advising  the  committee 
as  to  methods  of  procedure,  policies  and  remedies : 

James  Bronson  Reynolds,  counsel,  and  Walter  Clarke,  field 
secretary,  of  the  American  Social  Hygiene  Association. 

Clifford  Roe,  formerly  counsel  of  the  American  Vigilance  As- 
sociation. 

Samuel  P.  Thrasher,  Superintendent  of  the  Chicago  Committee 
of  Fifteen. 

Dr.  T.  L.  Harrington  of  Milwaukee. 

A.  H.  Bartelt,  Assistant  City  Attorney,  Milwaukee. 

The  committee  from  the  Merchants  and  Manufacturers  Asso- 
ciation of  Mihvaukee, 


12 


Ri:i’()kt  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Duties  op  Society. 

Society’s  object  should  be  on  one  hand  to  throw  greater  pro- 
tection around  women  and  girls,  especially  those  alone  in  great 
cities,  shielding  them  from  the  sordid  immorality  of  the  street 
and  making  it  easier  for  them  to  live  natural  and  wholesome 
lives ; and  on  the  other  hand  making  the  punishment  of  men,  who 
are  directly  or  indirectly  harassing  and  threatening  the  morality 
of  women,  much  more  certain  and  severe. 

AVith  the  possible  exception  of  mental  defectives,  who  are 
comparatively  few  in  number,  society  may  safely  assume  that 
women  wish  and  strive  to  avoid  immorality  and  unnatural  se.\- 
ual  lives.  The  great  majority  of  prostitutes,  now  outcasts  from 
the  society  of  respectable  women,  have  come  to  their  present 
status  through  the  deception  of  men,  through  the  use  of  in- 
toxicating liquor,  through  economic  i)ressure,  through  loneli- 
less  and  isolation  leading  to  bad  company,  or  through  as- 
sault and  the  use  of  force.  It  must  be  the  great  task  of  in- 
telligent men  and  Avomen  eA^eryAA’here  to  supply  the  natural 
economic  and  social  needs  of  girls  and  women,  especially  in  cities, 
and  to  make  it  much  more  easj’  for  them  to  live  AA'holesome  and 
happy  lives.  The  natural  instinct  of  Avomen  to  maintain  moral 
rectitude  must  be  reinforced  on  every  hand.  AVhere  there  has 
been  a moral  breakdoAim,  there  must  be  immediate  help  available, 
and  the  Avay,  back  to  moral  strength  must  be  made  easy  and 
straight ; but  the  emphasis  should  be  laid  upon  the  prevention  of 
any  Avoman  or  girl  falling  a A'ictim  to  the  complexities  and  dis- 
orders of  the  social  organization.  In  every  state  there  should 
be  an  institution  for  the  education  and  training  of  these  unfor- 
tunate Avomen,  thus  furnishing  some  of  the  long  neglected  op- 
portunities to  learn  a trade  by  AAdiieh  to  earn  a decent  liv- 
ing ; a place  Avhere  those  suffering  from  venereal  disease  may  be 
treated  and  released  only  upon  cure ; a place  Avhere  society  may 
in  a small  measure  rectify  its  thefts  and  neglects  of  Avomauhood. 

The  man’s  part  in  the  social  evil  is  despicable  and  mean  enough 
to  merit  the  harshest  terms  of  reproach  and  disgust.  The  ex- 
ploiter of  the  body  and  soul  of  Avoman  for  gain  is  Avorthy  of 
being  the  loAvest  outcast  in  society,  rather  than  the  Aveak  or  ignor- 
ant or  unfortunate  person  exploited.  The  penalties  for  such  ex- 
ploitations must  be  made  most  seAmre  ancl  must  come  AA'ith  abso^ 


13 


IIkpokt  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

lute  certainty  upon  coiivictiou.  The  hue  system,  which  is  unjust 
and  worthless  for  both  men  and  women,  should  be  abolished ; male 
offenders  should  be  punished  for  contempt  of  court  when  they 
follow  the  common  custom  of  giving  a fictitious  name  before  the 
court  and  should  be  given  a time  sentence  to  a penal  institution, 
not  escapable  by  the  payment  of  fines,  thus  sharing  their  guilt 
with  the  state. 

Man,  the  aggressive,  must  be  made  to  partake  in  the  shame  and 
disgrace  of  woman,  the  passive.  It  must  be  made  dangerous 
and  discraceful  for  man  to  overstep  the  boundaries  of  decency 
and  morality ; and  easy,  direct  and  pleasant  for  woman  to  main- 
tain moral  rectitude,  or  return  to  moral  rectitude  after  a relapse. 

Agents  op  Prostitution. 

The  business  of  prostitution  is  carried  on  by  “madams,”  “pro- 
tectors,” “procurers,”  “pimps”  and  “ owners,”  utilizing  as 
their  commodity  of  sale  the  services  of  prostitutes. 

The  “madam”  is  a woman  who  is  proprietor  of  a house  of  ill- 
fame,  whether  it  be  a call-house  or  a iiarlor  house.  She  keeps  the 
house  and  is  the  direct  manager  and  sales  agent  for  the  inmates. 
She  handles  the  money  paid  for  services,  and  issues  the  checks  to 
the  customers,  who  in  turn  give  the  checks  to  the  prostitute  tor 
services  rendered.  She  is  frecpiently  the  person  standing  between 
the  owner  of  the  house  of  ill-fame  and  the  inmates,  although 
it  is  often  the  case  that  the  “madam”  owns  the  business  herself. 
She  supplies  the  customers  and  inmates  witli  liquor,  cigars  and 
cigarettes,  furnishes  the  table  board  for  the  inmates,  and  at  times 
even  buys  the  clothes  and  personal  effects  for  the  women  under 
her  charge.  In  general,  the  ‘ ‘ madam  ’ ’ is  the  employer  of  women 
for  the  business  of  prostitution  and  it  is  her  object  to  make  the 
enterprise  pay  as  liberal  a dividend  to  the  owner  and  herself  as 
possible.  i . i ^ ! 

It  is  frequently  the  case  that  a man  or  a group  of  men  of 
means  stand  sponsors  for  the  “madam,”  and  procure  police  pro- 
tection for  the  business. 

“Procurers”  are  men  or  women  who  solicit  for  the  business 
of  prostitution.  They  procure  the  customers  and  take  oi’  direct 
them  to  the  houses  of  iirostitution  and  share  in  the  money  se- 
cured for  services.  Such  persons  are  frequently  men  engaged  in 


14 


Ejeport  of  the  AVisconsin  A^ice  Committee. 


other  businesses,  such  as  bartenders,  hotel  boys,  cab  drivers,  etc. 

A “pimp”  is  a procurer  who  solicits  for  a certain  woman  or 
for  a certain  group  of  women.  He  is  often  the  “lover”  of  the 
woman,  and  acts  as  her  master  and  protector,  living  upon  her 
earnings  as  a prostitute. 

AVith  this  explanatory  statement,  it  will  be  more  easy  to  under- 
stand the  life  and  activities  of  professional  prostitutes,  and  the 
customs  in  houses  of  ill-fame. 

Pimps— Report  op  Investigator. 


GX.  97. — Investigator  met  this  cadet  in  restau- 
rant. He  said  he  has  a girl  in and  she  has  not 


made  less  than  $68.00  a Aveek  for  the  last  four  mouths.  Also 
has  a girl  in  a house  in  another  street,  he  says. 

GX.  99. — This  man  has  had  this  house  for  a year  and  one- 
half.  His  expenses  are  $16.00  a day.  Pays  $165.00  a month 
rent.  Takes  in  $82.50  a day  on  the  average.  Pays  $52.10  per 
month  protection  money.  Sells  eighty  to  ninety  cases  of  beer 
in  a month  at  $1.00  a bottle.  Has  six  year  lease.  Says  that 
five  years  ago  he  landed  with  a girl  and  Avith  $1.35  in  his 

pocket,  and  that  he  finally  Avent  to  the  hotel and 

got  a job  as  a piano  player.  Finally  took  his  girl  to  Fargo 
and  he  played  the  piano  and  she  hustled  in  the  same  house. 
States  that  he  has  saved  betAveen  $3500  and  $3600  in  one  year, 
and  came  here  and  bought  this  house. 

GX. — SaAV  a pimp  from  one  of  the  houses  beat  a man  up. 

He  said  the  felloAV  broke  a AviudoAv  in  the  house  on 

Avenue.  This  happened  in  front  of  Cafe  on 

Street.  Alan  Avas  laying  on  the  sideAvalk  bleed- 
ing Avhere  this  man  had  hit  him,  and  a policeman  Avalked  by 
and  did  not  say  a Avord.  He  saw  the  man  lying  there,  and  i 
think  he  saAv  the  pimp  beat  him  up.  This  sIioavs  the  police  are 
giving  the  madams  of  these  houses  protection. 

GX.  74.— , Avho  runs  a restaurant  and  this  place 

is  an  ex-pimp  from  the  line.  His  Avife  helps  him  and  told  me 
that  she  used  to  be  an  inmate  of  the  line  for  a number  of 

years,  but  Avanted  her  to  quit,  so  they  opened 

this  place  and  all  their  business  is  on  tlie  lino. 


GX.  75. — This  man  runs  a house  at and  ap- 
proached me  last  night  in  a pool  room  on Street, 


and  said:  “A"ou  liaAm  a girl  there  Avith  you,  haA'en’t  you.”  I 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


15 


said,  “Yes.”  “Well,”  he  said,  “send  her  down  to  my  woman 
tomorrow.  She  can  make  from  $40.00  to  $50.00  without  any 
trouble,  and  as  1 am  paying  a fine  every  month,  you  and  she 
will  be  protected.  Tlie  old  woman  will  tell  your  girl  what  to 
say  Avhen  the  cops  come  to  book  her,  and  that  will  be  all  you 
will  have  to  woi'ry  about.  You  can  come  down  and  see  her 
every  day  for  an  hour  or  so.”  Police  orders  are  that  a woman 
has  to  be  in  the  house  by  8 :00  P.  M.,  and  she  cannot  leave  the 
house  until  8 :00  A.  M.  the  next  morning. 

White  Slavery. 

The  white  slave  traffic,  as  :Conimonly  understood,  is  the  practice 
whereby  girls  are  kept  in  confinement  for  barter  and  sale,  or 
whereby  they  are  kept  behind  bolts  and  bars  contrary  to  their 
will,  or  whereby  a man  has  compelled  an  innocent  girl  to  sell  her- 
self to  another  man  for  money  for  immoral  purjioses.  The  com- 
mittee has  not  found  direct  evidence  of  the  existence  of  much  of 
these  forms  of  white  slavery,  unless  it  may  be  the  latter,  though  we 
have  found  many  cases  where  it  is  alleged  girls  are  compelled  to 
enter  a life  of  prostitution  through  the  coercion  of  parents,  hus- 
bands or  so-called  “lovers.” 

The  more  liberal  interpretation  of  the  term  “white  slavery” 
covers  every  instance  where  restraint  is  placed  upon  the  free  ac- 
tion of  women  and  girls,  through  intimidation,  debt,  or  pure  lack 
of  personal  responsibility,  thus  keeping  them  under  the  infiueucu? 
and  control  of  men  and  women  who  exploit  their  bodies  for  money. 
Of  such  cases  many  have  been  found.  In  fact,  in  nearly  all 
cases  where  there  are  officially  recognized  houses,  where  inmates 
of  immoral  or  disorderly  houses  must  submit  to  an  official  medi- 
cal inspection,  where  proprietors  are  required  to  pay  a monthly 
license  fee  or  fine  to  the  city  at  stated  times  or  at  such  other  times 
as  officials  may  determine  upon,  real  slavery  of  the  most  insidious 
type  exists.  Thus,  it  often  happens  that  inmates  must  remain 
within  their  houses  from  eight  o’clock  in  the  evening  until  eight 
o’clock  in  tlie  morning.  They  may  not  go  upon  the  streets;  or, 
if  they  go,  it  must  be  in  closed  carriages.  They  must  dress  in  a 
particular  manner,  and  must  be  subjected  to  the  surveillance  of  a 
special  i)oliceman.  They  may  not  attend  public  gathering-!. 
Their  earnings  are  taken  from  them  or  must  be  turned  over  to 
their  “lovers”  or  “pimps”  or  “madams,”  so  tliey  have  lit- 
tle or  no  money.  In  many  eases  girls  are  never  paid  in  money  at 


16 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


all,  but  a check  is  giveu  to  the  customer  by  the  “madam,”  or 
woman  proprietor,  and  this  is  giveu  by  the  customer  to  the  girl 
for  services.  From  the  aggregate  amount  of  these  checks,  each 
of  which  may  represent  fifty  cents,  one  dollar  or  other  sums,  are 
deducted  her  board,  laundry,  drugs,  medical  attention,  drinks, 
dresses,  jewelry,  finery,  etc.,  which  are  charged  for  at  an  exorbi- 
tant rate.  In  this  manner  the  inmate  is  coutinuallj’  kept  in  debt 
to  the  “madam”  and  to  the  house.  The  “madam”  impresses 
upon  the  prostitute  the  fact  that  she  cannot  quit  the  house  while 
she  remains  in  debt.  In  one  case  the  testimony  is  that  the 
police  came  to  the  house  and  threatened  the  girl  with  arrest  if 
she  left  before  the  “debt”  to  the  house  was  paid. 

In  many  cases  the  “madam”  is  a favorite  prostitute  who  has 
been  advanced  by  her  male  protectors  and  who  takes  tlie  money 
from  the  customers  and  has  general  charge  of  the  inmates.  The 
unfortunate  women  under  her  charge  are  made  to  feel  absolutely 
dependent  upon  the  “madam”  and  “pimiis”  for  everything 
which  they  need,  and  are  sometimes  threatened  with  more  or 
less  severe  violence  in  case  of  any  mutiny.  In  this  way  they 
soon  lose  all  ambition  in  life,  and  following  the  path  of  least  re- 
sistance, resort  to  drink  and  drugs  to  palliate  their  unfortunate 
position,  subordinating  themselves  to  ain'  man  or  woman  who  will 
relieve  them  of  responsibility  and  care  of  themselves  until  they 
are  finally  east  off.  This  is  the  now  generally  accepted  definition 
of  the  term  ‘ ‘ white  slavery,  ’ ’ and  is  as  real  a form  of  moral  slav- 
ery and  results  in  as  real  a form  of  phj'sical  subservience,  as  if 
the  prostitute  were,  indeed,  controlled  by  the  bolts  and  bars  and 
brute  force  of  her  ‘ ‘ owner.  ’ ’ This  is  the  ordinary  condition  of 
most  of  the  inmates  of  houses  of  prostitution. 

The  reason  why  this  condition  of  moral  slavery  exists  is  that 
a girl  having  once  fallen  into,  perhaps,  a temporary  relapse,  is 
made  to  feel  that  her  cliances  for  virtue  and  morality  have  been 
absolutely  abandoned,  and  that  the  only  course  now  open  is  that 
of  a professional  prostitute.  It  often  happens  that  a woman  who 
has  been  a private  prostitute  and  has  ceased  to  please  her  so-called 
“lover”  is  thrown  aside  and,  being  mentally  and  physically  unfit 
to  compete  in  the  ordinary  Avalks  of  industry,  finds  herself  prac- 
tically forced  to  enter  the  life  of  a common  prostitute,  and  having 
entered  it,  she  has  no  other  place  of  shelter  and  must  continue 
the  life  regardless  of  the  fortunes  that  await  her.  A woman  be- 


Repokt  op  the  WiscoNaiN  Vice  Committee.  17 

giuuing  her  iminoral  life  as  a private  prostitute  goes  next  to  a so- 
called  high-class  parlor  house  where  her  services  may  bring  from 
ten  to  fifteen  dollars,  and  thence  down  the  scale  until  she  finally 
ends  a miserable  existence  in  a fifty  cent  “crib.” 

Numerous  instances  have  come  to  the  attention  of  this  commit- 
tee of  girls  being  taken  from  their  homes  to  other  states  for  im- 
moral purposes.  Frequently  their  captors  under  the  vigilant 
enforcement  of  the  Jilann  Act  have  been  punished  by  the  Fed- 
eral authorities,  as  the  law  provides.  This  has  occurred  in  Wis- 
consin, but  the  more  common  practice,  both  in  Wisconsin  and 
elsewhere,  is  moral  slavery  as  the  following  extract  from  the 
Philadelphia  report  indicates: 

“We  have  given  consideration  to  the  subject  of  so-called 
‘white  slavery  ! We  have  seen  but  little  evidence,  from  the 
information  presented  to  us,  of  the  existence  of  white  slavery 
in  the  bald  and  original  meaning  of  that  term;  namely,  girls 
held  in  actual  physical  subjection,  forced  by  locks  and  bolts, 
by  cuffs  and  blows,  to  lead  a life  of  prostitution.  We  are  not 
convinced  that  instances  of  this  kind,  especially  among  im- 
migrant girls,  do  not  exist ; indeed,  we  have  evidence  of  phy- 
sical cruelty  to  girls  by  their  pimps  and  lovers;  but  no  in- 
stances of  actual  physical  slavery  have  been  specifically  brought 
to  our  attention.” 


Prostitution. 

The  report  of  the  Massachusetts  Commission  on  White  Slavery, 
on  page  43,  defines  prostitution  as  follows : 

“Prostitution  may  be  defined  as  promiscuous  intercourse  for 
hire.” 

“The  reports  in  different  cities  show  large  numbers  of  girls 
who  habitually  have  immoral  relations  with  boys  and  men 
without  exiiecting  or  accepting  financial  reward  or  gain.  Ex- 
cept for  the  absence  of  the  element  of  hire,  these  relations  of 
young  girls  with  boys  and  men  are  not  to  be  distinguished 
from  those  of  professional  prostitutes.  The  reports  show  an 
amazing  state  of  affairs  among  the  type  of  girls  found  in  cities 
of  all  sizes  who  are  permitted  to  loiter  about  the  streets  at 
night  and  visit  places  of  amusement  unaccompanied.” 

“Information  as  to  who  these  girls  are  may  be  easily  ob- 
tained in  any  town,  and  may  be  verified  by  those  wlio  know 
them,  the  immoral  youths  of  the  town  freely  talking  of  the 
easy  virtue  of  such  girls  and  women.  It  is  certainly  surpris- 
ing how  well  posted  both  boys  and  girls  are  as  to  the  morals 


2— V.  C. 


18 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Comaiittee. 


of  tile  others,  and  the  male  solicitors,  as  a rule  cabmen,  bar- 
tenders ana  orners  wno  get  tips  tor  sucii  solicitation,  otter  to 
obtain  tlie  immoral  services  or  these  girls  for  total  strangers 
lor  pay."' 

■‘rn  all  cities  and  many  villages,  girls  from  thirteen  to  eigh- 
teen years  of  age  may  be  seen  aioiie  or  in  pairs  on  the  streets, 
at  railroad  staiions,  public  parks  and  other  public  places,  un- 
til late  hours  night  alter  iiignt.  Their  parents  apparently  have 
no  idea  or  care  where  their  children  go  or  with  whom  they 
associate,  'they  talk  freely  with  both  men  and  boys,  even 
strangers,  and  urge  these  men  to  take  them  to  a theatre,  mov- 
ing picture  show,  the  park,  automobile  riding,  or  anywhere  for 
a good  time.  As  they  get  bolder,  they  are  observed  Avith  men 
entering  immoral  cates,  hotels,  lodging  houses  and  other  ques- 
tionable places.  They  thus  form  the  beginning  of  their  life 
from  Avhieh  they  graduate  as  prostitutes.'’  (Mass.  Report.) 

The  Occasional  Prostitute. 

Some  description  has  been  given  in  the  preceding  section  on 
“ivliite  slavery”  of  the  life  and  customs  of  the  ordinary  prosti- 
tutes. There  is,  however,  a type  of  immoral  woman  which  may 
be  called  the  “occasional”  prostitute,  Avho  alternates  between  a 
life  of  decency  and  industry  as  a domestic  sei’A'ant,  factory  girl  or 
other  form  of  legitimate  Avage  earner,  and  the  practice  of  selling 
herself  for  immoral  purposes.  Any  person  who  is  a close 
observer  of  the  streets  of  any  large  city  Avill  notice  that  a group 
of  immoral  Avomen  seen  soliciting  upon  the  streets  at  one  time, 
may  be  totally  absent  Avithin  a feiv  Aveeks  or  a month.  The  (lues- 
tion  has  been  raised  as  to  Avhat  becomes  of  the  thousands  of  Avomen 
who  every  year  enter  a life  of  immorality  in  Ncav  York  City.  It 
is  said  that  some  six  thousand  new  recruits  enter  the  life  of  pros- 
titutes in  New  York  City  eA'eiy  year.  Some  people  luiA-e  feared 
that  this  large  supply  of  unfortunate  Avomen  has  been  consumed 
and  shunted  into  submergence-  or  death  by  horrible  and  unnatural 
processes.  This,  hoAA'ever,  is  not  supported  by  facts. 

In  every  large  center  of  population  there  are  Aveak  and  ignorant 
Avomen  Avho,  upon  losing  their  positions  as  sales  clerks,  domestic 
servants  or  other  iioorly  paid  positions,  resort  temporarily  to  x>ros- 
tilutioii  in  order  to  live.  There  is  ample  testimony  in  CA'cry  in- 
vestigation to  shoAv  that  many  thousands  of  this  type  of  AA'omeii 
jrass  into  the  ranks  of  x>TOstitutes  and  out  again  eA’eiy  year  and 
often  several  times  a year.  INIany  of  them  finally  secure  a stable 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


19 


position,  marry  or  return  to  their  homes  and  so  escape  the  lot 
of  the  professional  prostitute.  However,  a larger  number  finally 
succumb  to  the  temptation  of  what  is  upon  first  consideration  an 
easy  mode  of  earning  a living,  and  take  up  their  positions  in  regu- 
lar parlor  houses,  call-houses,  etc. 

History  op  Inmates. 

At  tlie  direction  of  the  Committee  the  investigators  secured 
certain  information  regarding  the  inmates  of  the  houses  of  prosti- 
tution which  they  visited.  Much  of  this  information  has  been 
given  under  evidence  of  investigators  following  various  sections 
of  the  report.  Sixty  cases  were  found  in  which  the  information 
was  complete  enough  to  warrant  a tabular  presentation.  In  tlie 
following  tables  this  information  is  given  regarding  nationality, 
religion,  former  occupation,  average  earnings  per  week  be  tore  en- 
tering prostitution,  length  of  time  which  prcstitution  has  been 
practiced  and  the  average  daily  earnings  as  prostitutes.  Tlie  to- 
tal number  being  so  small,  it  was  not  considered  necessary  to  give 
fiercentages.  The  first  table  is  a somewhat  detailed  presentation 
of  sixty  cases.  The  second  table  is  a recapitulation  of  the  first, 
giving  the  totals.  The  tables  follow. 


20 


Report  of  tpie  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


.2 

cd 

Pi 

o 

O 

c/2 

O' 

o 

5 

F 

t/i 

S 

H 

.2 

E> 

ce 

g 

fa 

C 

O 

c 

CO 

o 

cd 

O 

fa 

fa 

CO 

s 

(fa 

fa 

■SUOOI'BS  Ul  ^JlOtlOS 


■sjaajjs  uo^ioiios 


I 


oocoo  oooo 
ZZZZ 


ooooo  ootoo  ococo 
ZZZZZ  ZZ^ZZ  ZZZZi: 


SmSdd  S£®'®d  £dSdo'  SdSdd 
><>->-zz  >-z>-z>-  ;-z>-zz 


•ua.ipnuo  <Iav 


Is 

r 


® -So  do  cd'dd  do  so®  sddds 

>zzz  >-z  ;zz  zz>-z>-  >-zzz>- 


ooooo  ssddd  'odd®  o -odd  dssso 

zzzzz  >'><zzz  :zzz>'  >■  :>-zz  z>->>z 


® rf  s a 

>■0  s-'- 
<1 


isMl 


ii 


Ig&si 

■S.2  o a 
p^a:o 


SSSdS  SSSdS  SSSdS  dSSS'S 

>-^>-'ZE^  i>'>'E^Z^  Z^E^^^ 


§g 


g§  gg 


■.^Cigg  gggg 

U^gog  -o'go 


S£| 

a a 


cc  ;c  cs  C5  i-'l 


r-  ^ r^i  -r 


'Iiaoaa 


.loupri 


•aouTiQ 


ss 
& s 


S’^ 


I 


o'ssdd  ddd-d  d®®od  dcsds 
ZE-gZZ  ZZZ  :Z  ZE^ggZ  Z>>Z'^ 


® ® d d o 
^ ZZ  Z 


0-00 
z :zz 


■93v 


•OM 


ii 

O O 

§a 


s s d d ® s 
>>.Z  Z>->' 


6'&'& 


gg5 


-^3  : 

- & 

sp 

X — i. 


o o 
Z Z 


CNl  l.'t' 


■2s 

— O — 
& ^ 


I 


.2o 

ZE-Z 


6 6 6 6 s 

z zzzzg 


dffldod  ddo®d 
Z>-Z>Z  ZZZ>-Z 


o s":- 
i:  i:  o 
s S S 5 

iilii  lb 

2£p  ^ ^ 


ass 


ggia 

III! 

III! 


II 

Is 

£2 


- -=§§; 


T — — O 

s'S'S'Si 

g---- 

= 2225 

OD  X /-  X — 


C3  jj  ■ *r 

1 111  il 
£ ||}|,;| 


I- 


.gaa.  41|I  1 -f. 
°E°o|  g = °a-2  -iZiia-i 


£p£ 

o F o o 

alias  sia<a  assii 


sjgggg  ggggg  ggggg 


— . jNj  ;c  TT  u*? 


:c:o  — ?vircrfir?> 


r Ci  O — :vi  I 


T\ki>i)rt  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


21 


SSISSIS  SiSSSSIS  IJSSS-S  I3SSSR  SSSSS?^ 


!;:;!5  SSSSIS  SKS?Si 


22 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


REPORT  OF  INVESTIGATORS. 

Taken  Ehoji  Statements  of  Prostitutes  and  Not  Verified  by  Investigators. 

Rccapitulatiun . 


Nationality. 

Religion. 

Occupation  and  wage. 

Time  and  Wages  as  Prostitutes. 

Former 
occupation . 

Average 
earnings 
per  week 

Length  of  time 
practiced 
prostitution. 

Average  daily 
earnings. 

Irish 14 

German  . . .11 

Colored 10 

American  . 4 

Polish 4 

French 3 

Protestant. . .22 

Catholic 20 

Jewish 4 

Not  stated. . .14 

Total 60 

*Housework. . .11 
Stores  and 

offices 8 

$4.25 

5.20 

Time.  No. 

1 year  or  less.  4 

2 years 2 

3 - 5 

4 “ 7 

Earnings.  No. 

S3  to  $5 3 

$5  to  $10 17 

$10  to  $15 11 

$15  to  $20 0 

■1  Entertainer  . . 5 
Hotels 5 

14.60 

5.38 

4.58 

4.00 

6.00 

5 6 

6 7 

7 “ 4 

Over  $20 4 

Not  stated 25 

Total 60 

Italian 2 

English 1 

Dressmaker  ...  1 
Telephone 

operator — 1 
Student 1 

8 “ 5 

9 4 

10  7 

Not  stated.  7 

Total  . .60 

11  '■  0 

Not  stated 19 

12  " 2 

Total 60 

13  '■  1 

14  0 

15  ••  3 

18  ■'  1 

20  ••  1 

35  “ 1 

Total 60 

^Includes  housemaids,  demestics,  etc. 
ITncludes  dancers,  siiig'ers,  etc. 


CIVIL  STATUS. 


Married 30 

Unmarried 12 

Not  stated IS 


CHILDREN  OP  PROSTITUTES. 


Children 11 

No  children 27 

Not  stated 22 


PLACE  OP  SOLICITATION. 

Number  soliciting  on  streets 

Number  not  soliciting  on  streets 

Not  stated 

Number  soliciting  in  saloons 

Number  not  soliciting  in  saloons . . 

Not  stated  ; 


13 

41 

6 

23 

33 

4 


ATTITUDE  TO  PRACTICE  OP  PROSTITUTION. 


Number  desiring  to  leave  this  life 10 

Number  not  desiring  to  leave  this  life 39 

Not  stated 11 

CAUSES  OP  ENTERING  LIFE. 

Downfall  in  part  due  to  : 

Deceit  26 

Dance  I'i 

Liquor  IS 

Drugs  2 

Not  stated 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


23 


It  slioiild  be  noted  in  the  recapitulation  table,  first,  that  nation- 
alities of  the  prostitutes  considered  are  distributed  tlirougli  sev- 
eral nationalities  without  regulation  or  proportion.  The  total 
number  considered  being  only  sixty,  the  facts  of  nationalities 
cannot  be  considei’ed  significantly  and  no  conclusions  can  be 
drawn.  In  religion,  the  inmates  according  to  their  statements, 
were  about  equally  Protestant  and  Catholic,  the  former  having 
two  more  than  the  latter.  As  shown  in  a following  section  on 
illegitimacy,  domestics  contribute  more  largely  to  the  ranks  of 
immoral  women  in  Wisconsin  than  any  other  single  group  of 
workers.  The  same  criticisms  which  apply  to  figures  on  illegiti- 
macy apply  also  to  the  figures  under  former  occupations.  Atten- 
tion is  called  to  the  small  w’ages  received  by  these  women  in  their 
former  occupations  as  compared  with  their  earnings  as  prosti- 
tutes. The  prostitutes  considered  in  the  above  table  had  prac- 
ticed prostitution  from  less  than  one  year  to  as  long  as  thirty- 
five  years.  More  had  practiced  prostitution  for  from  four  to 
seven  years  than  for  any  other  three  year  period. 

Reports  op  Investigators. 

GX  65. — Is  23  years  of  age.  English.  Can  read  and 
wwite.  Was  formerly  a domestic  receiving  wages  of  $3.50  a 
week.  First  led  astray  through  deceit.  Took  up  this  life  be- 
cause she  could  not  make  money  enough  in  any  other  way. 
Does  no  other  Avork.  Has  practiced  prostitution  for  two  years, 
but  has  been  in  a resort  only  three  months.  Average  earnings 

$6.00  per  day.  First  practiced  prostitution  in  

city.  Does  not  solicit  on  the  street.  Is  kept  in  debt.  Showed 
investigator  her  book  in  AAdiich  she  kept  account  Avith  the  dry 
goods  store. 

GX  70A. — Asre  29.  French  Canadian.  Home  influence  Avas 
good.  Can  read  and  AAuite.  Is  subnormal.  Formerly  a fac- 
tory employee  receiving  Avqges  of  $3.75  per  Aveek.  Dance.s 
contributed  to  her  doAvufall.  Hives  reason  for  first  immoral 
act — Avanted  fine  clothes.  Was  deceived  by  a man.  Has  Prac- 
ticed prostitution  in citv.  Does  not  solicit  on  the 

streets.  Desires  to  live  this  life.  States  that  she  could  not 
make  a decent  living  bA-  Avorking.  Does  not  like  this  life,  but 
remains  in  it  because  of  the  money  there  is  in  it. 

GX  82A. — Is  23  years  of  age.  French  Canadian.  Can  read 
find  ywite.  Is  subnoriual,  Was  formerly  a Avaitress  pnd  re- 


24 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


ceived  wages  of  .'|^6.00  ])er  week.  Dances  and  ‘'hop”  eontrib- 
iited  to  her  downfall.  tStates  that  she  got  in  had  company  and 
gives  drinking  as  reason  for  her  downfall.  First  began  four 
and  one-half  years  ago.  First  yielded  through  fraud.  Does 
no  other  Avork.  Has  practiced  prostitution  for  three  and  one- 
half  years.  Divides  her  money  Avith  a pimp  giving  him  one- 

half.  Has  practiced  prostitution  in and 

cities.  Does  not  solicit  on  the  streets  or  in  saloons.  Has  been 
arrested.  Does  not  desire  to  quit  this  life.  Is  kept  in  debt 
by  the  madam.  Came  from  Chicago  Avith  another  girl  October 

27,  1913.  Formerly  solicited  on  the  streets  of  

Was  in  a resort  at  the  corner  of  Armour  and  

Street  before  coming  to  this  city.  States  that  madani  paid  her 
railroad  fare  from  Chicago  as  soon  as  she  got  her  trunk  into 
the  house.  Says  that  things  are  tough  in  Chicago  and  that  as 
soon  as  she  gets  enough  she  is  going  to  her  loAmr  and  he  is 
going  to  meet  her  at  Hot  Springs,  Arkansas.  Said  that  last 
night  she  hustled  from  12  o’clock  until  4:00  A.  M.  and  that 
she  made  $14.00.  One-half,  or  $7.00  Avas  for  herself. 

GX  88. — Is  26  years  of  age.  Italian.  Can  read  and  Avrite. 
Is  Amin.  Formerly  entertainer  at  Chicago  earning  $12.00  n 
Aveek.  Liquor  contributed  to  her  doAvnfall.  First  entered  life 
for  money  she  could  make  at  it.  Does  no  other  work.  Has 
practiced  prostitution  for  four  years.  AA'erage  daily  earnings 
$8.00.  One-half  goes  to  agent.  Does  not  solicit  on  the  streets 
or  in  saloons.  Has  been  arrested.  Does  not  buy  clothing  of 
madam.  She  is  bright. 

GX  89. — French.  Age  33.  Home  influence  good.  Neither 
nareni  drank.  Can  read  and  Avrite.  Is  A'ain  and  subnormal. 
Was  formerly  a domestic  receiA'ing  $7.00  a Aveek.  Liquor  Avas 
cause  of  doAvnfall.  First  began  nine  years  ago.  Yielded 
through  deceit.  Does  no  other  AA’ork.  AA'erage  daih-  earning 
$7.00.  One-half  of  this  is  giA'cu  to  the  madam.  Formerly 
practiced  prostitution  in  CicA-eland.  Has  been  married.  Has 
children.  Dope;  not  solicit  on  the  streets  or  in  saloons. 
Desires  to  quit  this  life. 

GX  103. — Age  25.  Italian.  Father  drank.  Can  read  and 
■'rrite.  Gave  reason  for  her  first  act  that  a man  got  her  drunk. 
First  began  six  years  ago.  Yielded  through  deceit.  Does  no 
other  Avork  uoav.  Practiced  prostitution  four  A-ears  and  six 
months  before  entering  a resort.  AA'erage  daily  earnings 


Si'S. 00.  DiA'ided  Avith  “Charlie”  keeper  of  the 

house.  Has  also  practiced  prostitution  in  city. 


Does  not  solicit  on  the  streets  or  in  saloons.  Does  not  desire 
to  quit  this  life.  Does  not  purchase  clothing  from  the  resort 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


25 


keeper  and  is  not  kept  in  debt.  Been  here  only  one  week. 
Came  here  from  St.  Paul.  She  is  above  the  average  girl  in 
this  house. 

GX  104.— Age  23  or  under.  German.  Home  influence  good. 
Cannot  read  nor  write.  Father  drank.  Liquor  contributed  to 
downfall.  Yielded  through  deceit.  Has  practiced  prostitution 
for  about  three  years.  Two  years  before  entering  a resort.  Di- 
vides earnings  with  the  madam.  Average  daily  earnings,  $10.00. 
Has  not  been  married.  Does  not  desire  to  quit  this  life.  Gives 
reason  for  being  here  that  she  wants  money,  jewelry  and  fine 
clothes.  Was  formerly  an  inmate  of  this  house.  When  GX  105 
woman  died,  he  took  this  woman  as  his  madam.  She  is  living 
with  him  and  running  this  house.  He  is  here  every  night  and 
plays  the  piano  as  a stall  so  he  can  look  after  the  business. 

WX  27. — Age  about  30.  German.  Home  influence  was 
good.  Father  drank  moderately.  Can  read  and  write.  Was 
formerly  a housewife.  Liquor  contributed  to  her  downfall. 
Gives  her  reason  for  her  first  act : mistake  in  marriage.  Be- 
gan first  in  the  old  country.  Occasionally  does  work  by  the 
day  for  which  she  receives  $1.50.  Has  practiced  prostitution 
for  ten  years.  Most  of  the  time  in  her  own  flat.  Keeps  from 
earnings  all  that  she  doesn’t  drink  up.  Has  practiced  pros- 
titution in  Hamburg.  Has  been  married  and  has  no  children. 
Does  not  solicit  on  streets,  but  occasionally  in  saloons.  Has 
been  arrested.  Does  not  desire  to  quit  this  life. 

WX  118. — Age  32.  Irish.  Home  influences  were  not  the 
best.  Both  parents  drank  moderately.  Can  read  and  write. 
Formerly  worked  in  factory  and  received  wages  of  from 
$4.00  to  $6.00  a week.  Dances  and  liquor  both  contrib- 
uted to  dowfall.  Gives  as  reason  for  first  act : Loved  a good 
time  and  fellow.  First  began  when  sixteen  years  of  age. 
Yielded  through  deceit.  Does  no  other  work  now.  Has  prac- 
ticed prostitution  for  ten  years  off  and  on.  Three  years  be- 
fore entering  a resort.  Divides  earnings  with  WX  117.  The 
man  Avho  placed  her  in  resort  was  not  punished.  Has  prac- 
ticed prostitution  in  another  city  in  Wisconsin.  Has  been 
married  and  has  no  children.  Solicits  on  streets  occasionally 
and  in  saloons.  Has  been  arrested.  Does  not  desire  to  quit 
this  life.  Has.  been  in  this  life  so  long  that  she  claims  she 
could  or  'woid-d  not  do  anything  else.  She  is  a hard  drinker. 

WX  119. — Age  about  25.  Irish.  Home  influence  good. 
Neither  parent  drank.  Can  read  and  write.  Is  subnormal. 
Liquor  contributed  to  downfall.  First  began  at  14  years  of  age. 
Began  just  for  tlu'  ex])erienee  as  she  was  naturally  bad.  Prac- 


2G 


liEPORT  OP  THE  ’WISCONSIN  ViCE  COMilITTEi;. 


ticed  prostitution  for  ten  years,  four  years  before  eutering  a 
resort.  Gives  inaclaiu  one-lialf  of  tne  earnings.  Has  noc 
praeticed  prostitution  in  any  otiier  city.  Tsever  nas  been  mar- 
ried. Hoes  not  solicit  on  streets  or  in  saloons.  Has  been  ar- 
rested. Has  no  desire  to  quit  tliis  life.  Will  not  give  up  tne 
lite  as  slie  Knows  tnat  any  ame  sue  aesires  slie  can  return  to 
her  home  on  the  south  siOe. 

GX  118B. — Age  27  years.  Irish.  Home  inllueuces  were  not 
good,  h'ather  urank.  Gan  read  and  Avrite.  Hownfall  attrib- 
uted to  liquor,  fieason  for  first  act ; Man  took  her  out  in  auto 
one  night  and  threatened  to  make  her  walk  home  unless  she 
submitted.  Hoes  no  other  work  now.  Practiced  prostitution 
for  three  years  and  six  months  before  entering  a resort.  Hi- 
vides  earnings  ivith  madam,  each  receiving  one-half.  Has  not 
been  married.  Has  never  been  arrested.  Hesires  to  quit  this 
life.  Investigator  says:  “This  girl  appears  to  have  a good 
bringing  up  and  from  what  she  told  me  she  wanted  to  have 
good  clothes  and  in  looking  for  a good  time  she  went  out  auto- 
mobile riding  and  had  drinks  Avith  a man.  He  got  her  intox- 
icated and  he  refused  to  take  her  back  to  the  city  unless  she 
submitted.  Her  parents  found  out  she  Avas  running  around, 
and  her  father  raised  so  much  hell  that  she  left  home.” 

an  inmate  of  WX  1 of  Citj'  No.  47,  says  she  is 

22  years  old.  Her  home  is  in  She  states  that, 

her  home  Avas  fairly  good,  but  had  to  Avork  hard.  Came  to 
this  city  and  Avent  to  Avork  as  Avaitress  in restau- 

rant, but  did  not  get  along.  Avell.  Began  sporting  Avhile  at 
Avork.  Then  Avent  back  to  her  home  and  then  Avas  in  a resort 
there.  Hid  not  AA’ant  her  people  to  knoAv  it,  so  came  back 
here.  States  that  she  is  making  good  money  and  likes  the  life. 
Lays  her  doAvnfall  to  associating  Avitli  bad  girls  of  this  city. 
The  other  inmate  of  this  place  claims  Wisconsin  is  her  home. 

Segregated  Histricts. 

Investigation  shoAvs  that  in  some  cities  of  the  state,  many  open 
and  recognized  houses  of  prostitution  exist.  In  some  of  the  larger 
places  these  houses  are  grouped  in  certain  streets  oi'  blocks,  usu- 
ally in  the  poorer  section  of  the  community.  A “segregated  dis- 
trict” is  such  a group  of  immoral  institutions  recognized  by  po- 
lice authorities  and  made  to  remain  within  a given  area.  At  pres- 
ent there  are  A>’ery  fcAv  real  segregated  districts  in  the  state  of  Wis- 
consin, due  to  public  opinion  and  the  activity  of  some  hiAv  enforc- 
ing officers.  Undoubtedly  the  Linlej’  Lrav,  commonly  kuOAvn  in 


Keport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


21 


the  United  States  as  the  Injunction  and  Abatement  Law,  has  done 
much  to  break  up  distinct  segregated  districts.  In  some  cities 
houses  of  prostitution  are  condoned  or  recognized  by  the  police, 
but  are  scattered  in  different  portions  of  the  city. 

We  find  some  men  contending  that  the  segregated  district  is 
the  best  method  of  controlling  prostitution.  They  claim  that 
prostitution  is  a necessary  evil,  and  that  if  these  houses  did  not 
exist,  respectable  women  would  not  be  free  from  molestation  on 
the  streets  at  night.  This  argument  is  especially  urged  by  cer- 
tain residents  of  the  cities  on  the  lakes,  on  account  of  the  numer- 
ous sailors,  miners  and  lumbermen  who  frequent  these  cities. 
Testimony  before  this  committee  secured  from  some  of  the  lead- 
ing citizens  and  business  men  of  such  cities  supports  this  conten- 
tion, while  other  business  men  most  strenuously  maintain  that 
such  a policy  is  untenable  and  dangerous.  The  great  mass  of 
opinion,  however,  is  absolutely  opposed  to  any  such  policy  of  seg- 
regation. 

Many  intelligent  and  socially  minded  men  and  women  all  over 
the  United  States  have  changed  their  point  of  view  in  regard  to 
the  segregation  of  vice.  Ten  years  ago  there  were  few  supporters 
of  the  fight  against  such  districts.  Even  the  greatest  leaders  in 
social  reform  believed  that  the  segregated  district  was  the  best 
way  to  control  a so-called  necessary  evil.  This  was  before  any 
of  the  great  investigations  had  been  made.  After  the  work  of  the 
Chicago  Vice  Commission  was  published,  a notable  change  took 
place  in  the  attitude  of  intelligent  men  and  women  toward  this 
question.  It  is  now  the  accepted  opinion  of  most  officials  and  all 
social  workers,  educators,  clergymen,  and  in  general,  all  those  most 
strenuously  opposed  to  vice,  that  the  segregated  district  must  go 
and  that  a policy  of  absolute  repression  and  continuous  campaign 
against  vice  must  be  adopted  by  every  city  and  state.  In  order 
to  present  the  point  of  view  of  citizens  of  Wisconsin,  the  follow- 
ing extracts  of  testimony  presenting  both  sides  of  this  question 
are  given. 

Favoring  Segregation. 

City  No.  87.  (Mayor)  page  314.  “If  I did  not  think  seg- 
regation was  for  the  best  interests  of  the  city,  I would  cer- 
tainly close  tlie  district.  When  the  people  complained,  I lis- 
tened to  them,  but  I didn’t  do  anything.  I didn’t  close  the 
district.  ” 


28 


liEl'OKT  UJb'  THE  WISCONSIN  VlOE  COMMITTEE. 


(^Theater  Man)  page  l‘J7.  “Under  certain  conditions,  a 
segregated  district  is  almost  a necessitj",  considering  tiie  con- 
airion  ot  men  ol  to-day.  A segregated  custnct  without  music, 
booths  or  liquor,  possibly  is  a good  thing.  1 think  the  city 
should  have  as  much  money  out  of  it  as  possible.  ' 

(Banker)  page  204.  “i  believe  in  a segregated  district  in 
a city  of  this  kind  where  we  are  a seaport  town  and  a lum- 
bering town.  They  cleaned  up  the  district  once  and  forced 
the  women  all  over  town.  They  should  coutiue  it  to  some 
place  and  there  should  be  external  decency.” 

(Manager  of  Brewery)  page  226.  “I  believe  in  the  exist- 
ence of  a segregated  district  in  this  city.  I think  sale  of  liq- 
uor .should  be  discontinued  in  the  houses.  I think  it  is  a pro- 
tection to  decent  girls  and  women.” 

City  No.  30.  (Merchant)  page  !).  “I  couldn't  tell  you 
which  is  best.  I think  it  is  a necessary  evil,  but  see  no  change 
in  street  conditions  when  we  did  not  have  it.” 

Opposed  to  Segregatiox. 


City  No.  87.  (Supt.  of  .Schools)  page  211.  “1  think  the 

presence  of  such  a district  acknowledged  by  the  city  is  a 
bad  influence.  General  talk  shows  it  is  unreasonably  bad.” 

(Painter)  page  200.  “Mj’  own  iiersonal  opinion  is  that 
a segregated  district  is  a curse  to  the  communit}'.  There  is 
now  more  or  less  of  it  scattered  outside  of  the  segregated  dis- 
trict, and.  I think  the  amount  of  it  is  greater  outside  of  the 
segregated  district.  I supposed  I kncAV  the  city,  having  lived 
here  for  over  twenty  years,  but  a short  time  ago  I made  a 
trip  down Ave.  to Street,  with  an- 

other man,  and  frankly  admit  I didn't  know  anything  about 
the  city  at  all.  You  could  get  girls  from  ten  cents  up  alm'ost 
anywhere,  and  this  was  outside  the  segregated  district.” 

(Laborer)  page  192.  “Have  seen  houses  of  prostitution 
in  this  city  outside  of  the  segregated  district  openly  soliciting 
for  customers.  The  segregated  district  looked  to  me  as  though 
it  was  a dumping  ground  for  those  who  are  no  longer  able  to 
make  a living  below  the  line.” 

(Mission  AYorker)  page  202.  “They  can  secure  girls  when 
wanted  outsiile  of  the  district  as  easily  as  inside  and  there 
now  much  street  soliciting.” 

(Expressman)  iiage  199.  “T  do  not  think  it  is  desirable 
to  have  a segregated  district.” 

(Baiikei-)  page  208.  “The  morals  of  this  city  are  very  bad. 
I should  like  to  see  the  segregated  district  abolished,  though 
T do  much  business  with  them.  I think  it  is  injuiion.s  to  the 
morals  of  the  young  and  a disgrace  to  the  morals  of  our  cit- 
izenship. ’ ’ 


Kepokt  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


29 


(Uaukor)  page  209.  “Tlie  nioi-als  of  tliis  city  are  decidedly 
below  i)ar.  The  toleration  of  an  open  segregated  district  is 
absolutely  inexcusable  from  any  standpoint,  and  has  no  justi- 
fication. 1 have  talked  with  many  men  and  have  never  found 
a man  who  said  it  was  a necessary  evil  for  him.  It  always 
seemed  to  be  for  the  other  fellow.” 

(J\Ianufacturer)  page  210.  “After  the  city 

houses  Avere  closed,  many  more  people  Avere  seen  in  this  segre- 
gated district.  The  segregated  district  keeps  legitimate  busi- 
ness out  of  this  district.  It  is  not  necessary  to  haAm  a segre- 
gated district.  It  is  demoralizing  to  the  city.  It  is  a menace, 
not  only  to  the  peoi)le  Avho  live  near  it,  but  as  much  so  to  the 
Avhole  city.” 

City  No.  30.  (iMerchant)  iiage  5.  “My  opinion  is  a segia'- 
gated  district  should  never  he  alloAved  to  exist  under  any  cir- 
cumstances. ]\ly  observation  is  there  is  less  tendency  to  accost 
girls  on  the  streets  in  toAvns  Avhere  they  do  not  exist  than 
Avhere  they  do.  One  of  the  first  things  to  do  to  improve  moral 
conditions  Avould  he  to  eliminate  houses  of  prostitution  and 
the  prosecution  of  the  persons  continuing  in  the  practice.” 

(iMerchant)  jiage  7.  “The  sentiment  is  against  houses  of 
prostitutiou.  I Avoidd  rather  do  Avithout  their  trade,  though 
you  Avould  he  surprised  hoAv  many  thousands  of  dollars  Avorth 
of  goods  I sell  to  them  a year.  There  Avas  less  interference 
Avith  girls  on  the  streets  Avhen  Ave  did  not  have  them.” 

(Manufacturer)  page  8.  “I  helieAm  our  city  Avas  better 
Avithout  the  segregated  district.” 

(Manufacturer)  page  16.  “I  do  not  think  houses  of  prosti- 
tutio}!  should  be  permitted  to  exist.  I think  the  poAvers  for 
oAul  are  organized  and  the  uoAvers  desiring  the  betterment  of*^ 
things  are  not  organized.  If  it  came  to  the  test  the  big  ina- 
joritA"  Avould  he  for  doing  aAvaA"  Avith  them.” 

(President  of  School  PmardV  page  18.  “Our  board  adopted 
resolutions  to  the  couimil  to  close  them  as  a menace  to  society 
and  to  the  schools.  (Later  tin's  resolution  Avas  turned  doAAUi 
by  the  common  council  of  this  ci'^y,  by  a Amte  of  14  to  2.) 

In  every  city  Avhere  they  have  tried  both  methods  of  handling 
prostitution,  the  question  has  been  asked  every  citizen  familiar 
AA’ith  the  subject  and  every  officer  and  policeman  that  came  before 
the  committee  Aidiether  or  not  there  Avas  more  street  soliciting  and 
immorality  to  be  found  on  the  streets  Avith  the  district  closed  than 
there  Avas  Avhen  it  Avas  open,  and  practically  every  person  and  offi- 
cer admitted  that  there  Avas  not  as  much  eAudence  of  street  immo- 
rality under  the  closed  policy  of  the  city  as  there  Avas  under  the 
open  policy,  and  this  is  particularly  true  from  the  eAudenee  in  the 


30 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


city  of  Superior  and  tlie  c-ity  of  La  Crosse.  Possibly  tlie  best  test 
is  shown  in  La  Crosse,  as  the  policy  was  there  fre(iueutly  changed 
under  incoming  mayors  and  in  some  cases  under  the  same 
mayor,  and  the  universal  testimony  was  that  the  street  conditions 
were  better  in  the  city  when  the  houses  were  closed. 

The  opinion  of  these  witnesses  is  full}'  corroborated  by  the  re- 
ports of  other  cities. 

Report  of  Hartford  Commission,  1913,  page  10.  “Complete 
segregation  Avas  never  possible.  Those  not  in  houses  Avere  by 
far  the  greater  number.  This  is  the  situation  iiwariably  found 
Avhere  segregation  or  regulation  is  attempted.  The  morals  po- 
lice of  Paris  admit  that  but  a small  portion  of  the  prostitutes 
of  that  city  are  under  any  police  surveillance  AA'hateA^er.  Sim- 
ilar testimony  comes  from  other  cities  and  the  evidence  before 
this  commission  points  to  the  same  failure  to  control  the 
larger  part  of  prostitution  in  this  city.  The  policy  of  segre- 
gation obviously  does  not  limit  the  eA'il  to  one  locality.  But, 
does  the  opposed  poli.cy,  that  of  closing  the  regulated  houses, 
result  in  an  increase  of  Auce  in  other  parts  of  the  citj^?  The 
regular  houses  in  Hartford  haAm  been  closed  since  December 
29th,  1911.  There  is  no  evidence  of  a general  increase  of  pros- 
titution at  other  points.  Only  three  or  four  of  the  thirty-five 
Avornen  Avho  had  been  in  tolerated  houses  haA^e  since  been  so- 
liciting on  the  streets.” 

Reiport  of  Pittsburg,  1913,  page  15.  “The  maintenance  of 
a section  for  uses  of  commercialized  vice  is  a menace  to  the 
morals  of  all  classes,  but  is  particularly  injurious  to  the  young 
of  both  sexes.  Regulation  or  reglementation  of  any  kind 
is  not  only  in  direct  opposition  to  the  moral  ideals  of  an 
American  community,  but  offers  insurmountable  practical 
difficulties  of  administration.  Houses  of  prostitution  and  other 
institutions  of  commercialized  Auce  being  forbidden  by  laAv, 
their  toleration  is  a •dangerous  source  of  graft  and  corruption. 

“If  there  Avere  no  more  than  one  thousand  Avomen  in  the  red 
light  district  of  Pittsburg,  and  if  their  aA’erage  career  be  fiA’e 
years,  it  is  clear  that  tAvo  hundred  young  girls  must  fall  every 
year  to  keep  up  the  supply  of  human  flesh.  A segregated  dis- 
trict cannot  exist  AAdthout  panderers,  procurers  and  white 
slaAmrs  to  secure  recruits.  No  justification,  either  physical  or 
moral,  can  be  found  for  the  tolerance  of  the  cahI,  as  continence 
is  entirely  compatible  with  health.  While  A'irtue  cannot  be 
enforced  by  legal  enactment,  the  laAVS  can  and  should  preAmnt 
the  existence  and  promotion  of  commercialized  Auce.” 


Report  of  tpie  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


31 


Minneapolis  Report,  1811,  page  26.  “At  that  time  there 
mere  tmeiity-tlii-ee  recognized  resorts  in  tliat  district.  It  is 
noteworthy  that  ting  movement  was  rather  in  the  nature  of  an 
abatement  of  a local  nnisanee  than  a crnsade  against  vice  on 
universal  moral  grounds.  The  residents  of  the  Sixth  Ward 
insisted  upon  the  right  to  clean  np  tlieir  own  backyard.  They 
found  the  presence  of  those  resorts  a detriment  to  business  and 
a standing  rhenaee  to  the  morals  of  the  community.  It  was 
difficult  for  the  most  respectable  women  to  appear  even  in 
street  cars  near  this  district  at  night  without  being  subjected 
to  insults  by  rowdies  and  half  intoxicated  men.  As  a result 
of  this  action  in  the  Sixth  Ward,  a demand  for  the  closing 
the  entire  red  light  district  was  made,  and  th“re  was  not  a 
dissenting  voice. 

Grand  Rapids,  Mich.  Report,  page  10.  “The  immensity  of 
the  social  evil  is  no  excuse  for  us  to  stand  idly  by  and  do 
nothing  in  an  attempt  to  solve  it.  Prostitution  as  a commer- 
cialized business  or  anything  akin  to  it  cannot  be  considered 
necessary.  Earnest,  wise,  united  and  persistent  effort  on  the 
part  of  individuals  or  organized  groups  in  society  can  elim- 
inate it.  Segregation  as  a method  of  dealing  with  the  vice 
problem  has  utterly  failed.  It  is  the  old  remedy,  and  under 
it.  protected  vice  has  flourished  to  such  an  appalling  extent 
that  thinking  men  are  coming  to  realize  that  it  is  eating  the 
very  heart  out  of  the  nation.  The  people  are  interested,  as 
never  before  in  human  rights.  The  sociological  side  of  life  is 
being  studied,  and  the  first  great  barrier  found  blocking  the 
wav  of  human  proeress  was  commercialized  vice.  All  cities 
having  investigated  the  subject  are  opposed  to  segregation. 

As  long  as  Ave  have  segregation,  Ave  have  commercialized 
vice. 

Segregation  means  licensed  vice  Avithout  income. 

Segregation  means  corruption  of  morals,  mind  and  body. 

Segregation  means  constant  degredation  and  political  and 
police  corruption. 

Segregation  means  open  invitation  to  the  youth  of  our  city. 

Segregation  offiers  an  open  attraction  to  the  loAV-minded, 
Aveak-minded  and  vicious. 

Segregation  is  one  of  the  principal  causes  of  crime. 

Segregation  centralizes  the  traffic  in  vice  and  its  victims  are 
draAAm  from  the  homes  of  the  people.  Children  are  not  born 
in  vice  resorts,  but  in  the  homes,  and  it  is  from  these  that  vice 
finds  its  new  victims. 

Segregation  is  unfair  to  innocent  and  conscientious  owners 
of  property,  in  the  segregated  district,  for  while  it  enormously 
mcreascs  the  value  of  uroneriv  used  for  immoral  purposes,  it 
depreciates  the  value  of  nearby  property. 


32 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Segregation  is  outrageously  unfair  to  tliose  i)Oor  lielpless 
people  M'ho  uiust  live  iii  the  iuimediate  presence  of  the  congre- 
gated vice  element.  One  is  led  to  believe  that  it  is  because 
they  are  lieliiless  and  cannot  defend  themselves  that  the  better 
element  of  the  community  allows  conditions  to  be  forced  up- 
on them  which  it  would  not  tolerate  in  its  OAvn  neighborhood.” 

Flexner,  Prostitution  in  Europe,  1914.  Page  175.  The  table 
above  given  disposes  once  for  all  of  segregation.  Segregation 
in  the  sense  of  an  attempt  to  confine  the  prostitutes  of  the  city, 
or  even  the  majority  of  them,  to  a single  locality,  or  CA'en  to  a 
fcAV  definite  localities,  is  not  undertaken  in  any  European  city 
from  Budapest  to  GlasgoAv.” 

(Quotation  from  ‘‘The  Fight  Against  Vice.”  Page  850, 
‘‘Clinical  Medicine”  for  Oct.  1914)  ‘‘One  of  these  spectres 
was  the  traditional  fear,  industriously  circulated  by  those 
vrhose  interest  it  served,  that  the  breaking  up  of  vice  segrega- 
tion Avould  drhm  prostitutes  into  respectable  neighborhoods. 
As  the  committee  clearly  points  out,  this  is  not  true  to  any- 
thing like  the  extent  that  is  generally  belieA'ed,  and  even 
though  true  that  some  professional  prostitutes  haA'e  taken  up 
their  abode  in  residence  districts,  the  respectable  and  the 
Avell  to  do  neighborhoods  are  far  better  equipped  to  resi.st 
and  prevent  the  inroads  of  Auce  than  are  the  poor  and  sub- 
merged quarters  that  liaAm  long  been  A'ictimized  by  entrenched 
systems  of  vice,  police  protected  and  officially  maintained. 

“Another  persistent  rumor  set  afloat  by  the  A'ice  interests  is 
that  the  assaults  upon  decent  Avomen  Avould  increase,  and 
have  increased,  upon  the  dissolution  of  the  so-called  red  light 
district  of  Chicago.  This  rumor  the  committee  of  fifteen  is  in 
a position  absolutely  to  deny  and  disproA'e  by  indisputable 
statistics;  for  the  records  of  the  citv  of  Chicago  show  that  in 
the  year  1913,  the  year  folloAving  the  attack  bA’  States  Attor- 
ney Wayman,  upon  the  segregated  district,  the  actual  num- 
ber of  such  assaults  fell  off  nearly  thirteen  per  cent,  while 
there  Avas  an  increase  in  the  citA^’s  population  of  nearh.’ 
70,000.” 

Places  of  Prostitution. 

There  are  A'arious  forms  Avhich  commercialized  A’ice  takes  in 
every  large  city.  A brief  description  Avith  illustratiA’e  eA’idence  is 
given  for  several  of  these  forms. 

Parlor  Houses. 

A “parlor  house,”  or  “house  of  ill-fame,”  is  a dAvelling  used 
primarily  for  the  business  of  prostitution.  It  sometimes  happens 


Eeport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


38 


that  the  lower  floor  of  such  a building  is  occupied  by  another  busi- 
ness, such  as  a saloon,  pool  ropm;Ldiieater  on  otherwise,  while  the  — 
upper  floors  are  given  over  to  rooms  and  parlors  for  the  inmates, 
j Some  of  these  bouses  are  very  luxurious  and  expensive,  having 
I costly  decorations  and  furniture,  wliile  others  are  dirty,  poorly 
' kept  and  cheap  throughout. 

Where  a large  building  is  given  over  entirely  to  such  a business 
I and  the  rooms  are  small  and  very  numerous,  the  term  “crib”  is 
; frequently  applied.  Such  places  sometimes  have  no  reception 
' parlor,  no  music,  and  liquor  is  served  in  the  rooms  from  the  saloon 
1 in  connection.  This  type  of  bouse  is  usually  cheap  and  one  of  the 
most  hideous  places  of  commercialized  prostitution.  Services  are 
offered  by  the  inmates  for  fifty  cents  and  one  dollar. 

Eoad  Houses. 

The  bommittee  finds  that,  adjacent  to  most  of  the  cities  of  the 
state  in  which  houses  of  ill-fame  exist,  there  are  numerous  road 
houses  with  the  usual  equipment  of  bars  and  bedrooms.  They  are 
usually  provided  with  various  gambliiig  .deviees,  music  and  a room 
for  dancing.  These  places  are  mostly  supported  by  the  patron- 
age of  immoral  men  of  nearby  cities,  who  take  girls  from  the 
cities  to  these  resorts,  in  automobiles  and  carriages.  These 
houses,  because  of  the  fact  that  they  lie  outside  of  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  municipal  police,  are  difficult  to  supervise  and  control. 

Many  of  the  parties  that  frequent  these  resorts  first  get  together 
in  the  palm  gardens  of  the  city,  and  from  there  automobiles  or 
cabs  take  them  to  the  road  houses  to  comi^lete  the  entertainment. 
Road  houses  are  popular  because  little  restraint  is  placed  upon  the 
patrons,  and  liquor  is  sold  freely  without  regard  to  the  age  of  the 
customer.  The  evidence  and  testimony  before  the  committee 
shows  that  many  women  have  been  taken  to  these  places,  made 
intoxicated,  and  debauched. 

The  road  house  furnishes  one  of  the  most  difficult  and  illusive 
problems  of  public  morals,  and  the  state  should  take  immediate  ac- 
tion to  assist  cities  in  the  control  of  these  resorts.  The  testimony 
and  evidence  which  follows  will  give  an  idea  of  typical  cases. 


9-v.  0. 


34 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Report  of  Investigators. 

City  39,  Page  22.  Road  house  saloon  called  

Place  is  a two  story  frame  building.  First  floor  has  a bar 
and  wine  rooms  in  which  is  piano.  No  regular  inmates.  In- 
stead the  sporting  women  Avho  Avork  here,  Mrs 

says,  come  and  go.  They  are  usually  here  Saturday  and  Sun- 
day nights.  The  proprietor  says  that  if  the  tOAvn  of 

Avould  alloAV  him  four  regular  inmates  on  the  place,  he  Avould 
gladly  pay  $1,000  for  that  privilege,  because  he  knoAvs  that 
AA’ith  four  good  hustlers  it  Avould  repay  him  for  the  priA’ilege. 
Ten  bedrooms  AAdiich  are  let  to  couples.  Claims  that  most  of 
the  eouplesare~business  men  out  for  a good  time.  Some  bring 
girls  along — others  are  out  looking  for  them.  He  says  his 

heaviest  trade  just  uoav  is  from  and  names  the  chief 

of  police  among  them.  Also  the  people  of are  a little 

afraid  j^et,  not  having  gotten  oA'er  the  latest  upheaAml  due,  he 
says,  to  cranks  and  old  hens  and  Avould-he  reformers,  though, 
he  claims,  their  crusades  can’t  touch  him.  as  he  is  outside  their 
jurisdiction,  the  place  being  outside  of  the  city  limts.  The 
place  is  reached  by  an  interurhan  line,  though  the  faA'orito 
mode  of  travel  used  by  sporting  people  and  especially  with 
Avomen  has  been  by  auto  or  carriage. 

place;  tAvo  story  frame  building  on  first  floor  of 

Avhieh  is  a bar  and  Avine  rooms  in  AAdiicli  there  is  a piano,  also 
a lunch  room.  , There  are  no  regular  inmates,  though  the 
Avomen  employees  of  the  place  are  allowed  to  solicit  men  pa- 
trons of  the  place,  and  Avere  heard  doing  so  AAdiile  being  seiwed 
at  the  lunch  counter.  There  are  tAvo  waitresses.  Upstairs  are 
neatly  furnished  rooms  that  are  let  to  couples  Avho  come  out 

here  from  either or for  a good  time.  Price  is 

$1.00  each.  This  is  also  a road  house  resort.  Parties 

come  by  auto  out  here  Avhere  they  need  haA'e  no  fear  of  the 


]iolice.  Though  the  trade  is  not  large  as , yet  they  are 

open  every  night.  Until  just  recently,  Mrs claims 


to  liaAm  kept  girls.  Expects  to  have  them  there  soon  again. 

City  No.  47.  Road  house  WXF.  _I^ur  miles  from  tOAAm  on 

the  road.  Occupies  a large  frameMouiIdmg“  On 

the  first  floor  is  the  bafrobm  jht  Avhich  are  seA'eral  slot  ma- 
chines, and  to  the  one  side  is  the  Avine  room.  At  the  rear  are 

the  living  rooms.  The  Avife  of  the  proprietor, Polish 

girl,  and (a  German  girl),  natVes  of  this  state,  are 

inmates.  All  are  dressed  in  apron  dresses  and  hustle  drinks 
from  the  men.  The  girls  solicit  men  to  take  them  to  the 
rooms,  The  price  is  $2.00.  The  landlady  goes  from  one  man 


Keport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


35 


to  another  and  urges  liiin  to  go  with  the  girls.  She  collects 

the  money  and  gives  the  girls  a check a taxi 

driver,  also  brings  Avhat  he  calls  “live  hunches”  out  for  a 
good  time,  and  in  turn  is  given  any  trade  the  house  may  have 
in  preference  to  any  other  cabbies.  Investigator  saw  two 
girls  apparently  16  years  of  age  with  middle  aged  man,  and 
a younger  man  arrive  by  auto.  They  were  served  Avith  beer 
and  ginger  ale  highballs.  One  of  the  inmates  says  the  house 
does  a big  business,  especially  Saturday  and  Sunday  nights. 

She  saA's  that  she  and  the  other  girl  aA^erage  $40  to  $50  a 
Aveek  for  themselves,  after  uaA'ing  $5.00  a Aveek  board.  They 
give  the  landlady  the  first  $5.00  and  half  they  make. 

WXG.  Road  house.  Tavo  miles  from 

Proprietor  is  an  Americmn  Two  storAT)riek  building,  large 
dance  hall  in  the  rear.  Front  part  of  the_  place  has  a very 

"ileatl.y  furnished  bar  room  in  AA’hich  there  are  three  slot  ma- 
chines and  raflling  machine,  also  an  upright  piano,  also  seats 
■'lind  a table  Avhere  drinks  are  serA'ed.  Upstairs  are  living 
rooms  and  also  a drinking  room.  Parties  come  out  here  from 
'-UmAUi'' during  the  afternoon  and  night  and  are  seiwed  Avith 
AvhateA-er  thev  Avant  to  drink.  Thev  are  accommodated  Avith 
rooms  for  Avhich  they  pa}’  $1.00  to  $1.50.  The  proprietor  has  , • 
had  this  place  nine  years.  Proprietor  states  that  she  caters 
only  to  the  quieter  class  of  people  Avho  come  out  here  for  a 
good  time,  not  caring  to  be  seen  around  resorts  in  the  city. 

Also  states  that  she  doesn’t  alloAv  knoAvn  prostitutes  to  fre- 
quent her  place,  and  that  she  knoAvs  her  guests  to  be  either 
shop  or  office  girls  or  those  Ihung  at  home  Avho  go  out  occa- 
sionally Avith  their  beaus. . 

WXH.  Road  house.  Four  miles  from  toAvn.  Large  frame 
building.  Front  is  a large  bar  containing  piano,  sevenaTVloF 
Tnachiires.  a table  Avith  stalls  on  tAvo  sides  Avhere  Avomen  can 
^ and  drink.  At  the  rear  and  upstairs  are  liA’ing  rooms. 
Three  Avomen  inmates.  Mrs.  WXH  hustles  drinks  as  much 
as  the  girls  and  have  heard  her  asking  a man  if  he  did  not 
Avant  to  go  up  to  a room  Avith  one  of  the  girls.  The  girls 
are  dressed  in  ordinary  clothing  and  solicit  from  one  man  to 
another  in  the  barrooms  and  Avhenever  a man  consents  to  go 
to  her  room  Avith  her  the  girl  collects  $2.00  and  hands  it  to 

I Mrs.  WXH  and  Avalks  boldly  out.  After  a short  time  the  girl 
1 returns  to  the  saloon  and  leaA’es  him  for  someone  else.  Par- 
! ties  from  toAvn  come  here  for  a good  time.  Mrs.  WXH  states 
. that  at  the  most  Saturday  nights  one  can  hardly  get  standing 
i room.  She  also  states  that  many  times  a party  of  men  will 

hire  tAVO  automobiles  of  and  get  him  to  round  up 

some  ^irls  in  the  toAvn  and  all  liaA’e  a good  time  until  morn- 


i 


36 


Eeport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


ing.  Mrs.  WXII  also  states  that  men  Avho  like  to  have  a 
game  occasionally  come  out  here  every  Aveek  and  have  a big 
poker  game.  Names  several  girls  that  have  recently  been 
driven  from  the  town  by  the  police  that  are  frequenters  of 
this  place  Avith  men. 

City  47.  WXN.  Road  house.  Located  on  is- 

land.  Has  plainly  furnished  bar  in  AA’hich  are  s^'eral  sloLir^^ 
chines.  At  the  rear  of  the  bar  is  a dance  hall  and  an  electric 
piano  furnishes  music  for  dancing.  Private  rooms  and  liA'ing 

rooms  are  on  the  second  floor , aged  27,  and 

aged  2.5.  live  on  the  island  but  come  here  to  solicit  men  Avhom 
tliey  take  to  rooms  above,  price  $2.00.  The  girlsy  and  the 
wife  of  the  proprietor  hustle  drinks  in  the  bar.  There  is  a 
talfle  in  tbo  dance  hall  at  which  di’inks  are  seiwed,  but  feAv 
use  it.  All  stand  round  the  bar.  As  soon  as  a man  enter.? 
these  Avoiuen  take  him  by  the  arm  and  lead  him  to  the  bar 
and  keep  him  there  as  long  as  he  Avill  treat  them.  The  worst 
sort  of  dancing — rag  and  tangoing,  is  alloAved.  The  son  and 
tAvo  other  boys,  all  minors.  Avere  sei’A^ed  Avith  beer  until  pretty 
well  intoxicated.  Eight  or  ten  men  Avere  there  during  the 
stay  of  the  investigator.  ' 

I 

WXO.  On  an  island.  This  is  the  largest  and  toughest 
place  on  the  island.  Has  neatly  furnished  bar  in  which  are 
slot  machines  and  turkeA"  raffling  machine.  At  the  left  o?-4he 
bar  is  the  dining  room  AAdiich  is  also  nsed  as  a AA’ine  room.  This 
place  is  said  to  be  the  hangout  of  crooks  and  gamblers  from  , 

toAA'u.  It  is  also  said  that has  a penitentiarA^  record. 

Men  come  froTu  the  city  to  liaA'e  a game  away  from  the  police 
interference.  Until  recentlA^  thev  had  tAvo  inmates.  The  wife 
of  the  proprietor  states  that  theA'  are  trying  to  get  others 
and  asked  the  iiiA^esti gator  to  get  her  some  if  she  came  across 
any  good  looking  girls  doAvn  toAvn  aa'Iio  really  wanted  to  make 
money. 

proprietor  of  billiard  hall,  states  that  these 

people  short-change  as  Avell  as  in  many  instances  keep  the 


change  of  men  Avho  are  drinkinsr came  to  this 

’place  AA’ell  under  the  influence  of  liquor  Avith  another  boy  not 
over  eighteen  years  of  age.  TheA'  Avere  seiwed  Avith  drinks 

until  theA'-  refused  to  drink  Avith  the  others has 

been  in  business  here  for  3wars brcAvery  holds  a 

mortgage  on  the  place  and  controls  it. 

City  No.  30.  Page  195.  Is  a regular  road  house  saloon  re- 


sort. Occupies  a tAvo  story  frame  building  on  tlie’flrst  floor 
of  Avhich  there  is,  a bar  and  three  Aviue  rooms.  A nickel  in 
the  slot  music  box  proA'ides  entertainment  desired.  Upstairs 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee.  37 


is  wliat  is  sui)posed  by  the  unknowing  ones  to  be  a dance 
hall.  There  are  also  bedrooms.  There  are  no  resident  in- 
mates, but  according  to  the  statements  of  Mr , 

the  place  is  being  run  wide  open  and  couples  from  town  in 
carriages  come  here  and  go  as  far  as  they  like  in  having  a 
goot!  time.  Further  says  that  lots  of  men,  good  spenders  out 
on  a lark,  came  here  alone  so  the  girls  make  good  off  those 

live  ones.  A man  by  the  name  of came  today  with 

another  fellow  in  a buggy.  The  proprietor  is  now  trying  to 

get  in  with  a prostitute  of  street.  He 

has  been  off  on  a spree  several  days,  leaving  his  partner  in 
charge  of  the  place,  so  he  says. 

City  No.  68.  Road  house  resort  2^2  miles  from  town  on  the 

shore  drive proprietor.  Place  is  a 

large  Hvo  story  and  attic  building.  On  the  first  floor  is  a bar- 
room in  which  there  is  an  electric  piano  to  furnish  entertain- 
ment, it  desired.  At  the  rear  is  an  “L”  shaped  hall  that  sep- 
arates tw,o  wine  rooms  from  which  there  are  stairs  leading  to 
nyaiiy  lunnsned  rooms  above.  At  one  end  of  this  hall  is  the 
side  entrance  to  the  building.  Has  his  own  electric  and  gas 
plants.  Also  steam  heating  j^lant.  There  are  no  regular  in- 
mates, but  couples  come  out  here  afternoons  and  evenings  and 
have  a good  tune.  Men  who,  he  says,  can’t  afford  to  be  seen 
in  similar  places  around  toAvn,  with  others,  come  out  here  for 
a good  time,  by  auto.  Usually  does  a good  business.  Claims 
the  town  in  which  place  is  located  went  dry  so  now  their  sale 
of  liquor  has  to  be  on  the  quiet  as  there  is  no  liquor  license. 
Investigator  treated  party  of  three.  Two  whiskeys  and  a glass 
of  beer  Avere  served,  the  beer  to  the  investigator,  and  he 
was  sure  Avhat  it  was.  Thirty-five  cents  was  paid  for  the 
drinks. 

City  No.  60.  Road  house  2^^  miles  from  the  city.  Place  oc- 
cupies two  buildings.  Small  barrobmpiv^iue  room  and  kitchen 
■nUtlie  front  or  corner  building.  Here  also  the  proprietor 
sleeps  many  nights  on  a folding  bed  in  the  wine  room.  In 
this  building  are  rooms  that  are  let  for  assignation  purposes 

to  couples  AAdio  come  out  here  from  , .~y 

and cities  for  a good  time,  to  be  out  here  without 

being  seen.  Mrs says  they  are  running  wide  open, 

also  they  are  making  money — that  is  why  she  is  satisfied  to 
stay  here,  although  a good  way  from  town.  Further  says 
some  friends  of  hers — young  girls  who  are  willing  to  take  a 
drink — come  out.  They  make  men  spend  their  money  for 
drinks  and  after  a little  Avhile  they  get  the  men  to  go  to  their 
rooms  with  them.  Out  of  that  she  gets  50  cents  and.  the  girl 
the  balance  of  Avhat  she  gets  out  of  the  men.  Proprietor  says 


38 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


everything  in  is  on  the  hum.  That  they  had 

been  a little  careful  since  they  heard  that  a member  of  the 
committee  was  in  town,  also  that  they  expect  some  of  the  de- 
tectives to  folloAV  soon,  hut  since  no  one  has  shown  up,  thinks 
it  is  blown  over.  Proprietor  also  was  refused  a saloon  license 
in  the  city  last  July  because  of  the  bad  character  of  the 
place. 

Parlor  houses  and  road  houses  recognized  by  the  city  offi- 
cials were  found  by  investigators  in  connection  with  the  following 
cities  in  Wisconsin,  such  recognized  places  being  in  addition  to 
a very  large  number  of  places  where  immoral  practices  are  more 
or  less  openly  engaged  in,  found  to  exist  in  practically  all  of 
such  cities. 


No. 

houses 

No. 

inmates 

Road 

houses 

adjoining 

No. 

inmates 

Green  Bay*  

1 

10 

3 

15 

Ashland  

1 

12 

2 

1 

9 

Marinette*  

1 

3 

9 

Bayfield  

1 

5 

30 

2 

Chelsea  

1 

5 

Menasha*  

2 

3 

Fond  du  Lae* 

7 

20 

2 

Plymouth  

1 

8 

Sheboygan  

3 

18 

Merrill*  

1 

Stevens  Point*  

1 

9 

2 

8 

Hub  Oitv  

1 

9 

Superior’’' 

21 

160 

* These  places  are  reported  to  have  been  closed  since  the  committee  began  its  wort, 
the  last  being  Superior,  closed  November  16,  1914,  by  order  of  District  Attorney  McKay. 
Such  an  official  deserves  public  commendation  lor  this  act  in  the  face  of  such  strenuous 
opposition  on  the  part  of  financial  and  other  interests. 


Immor.vl  Places  Existing  with  Little  if  any  Official 
Interference. 

In  addition  to  the  above  the  committee's  investigators  foimd  lit- 
tle difficulty  in  securing  positive  evidence  of  the  existence  of  many 
other  places  where  immoral  practices  were  openly  solicited  and 
carried  on,  such  as  parlor  houses,  assignation  houses,  road  houses, 
immoral  hotels,  rooming  and  lodging  houses,  cafes,  chop  suey  res- 
taurants, saloons  with  bedroom  connections,  and  dance  halls. 
Much  evidence  was  also  secured  in  regard  to  open  street  solicita- 
tion, and  of  the  practice  of  abortion. 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


39 


The  following  is  a partial  list  of  places  of  the  above  nature,  re- 
ported by  the  investigators : 


Milwaukee,  with  several  hundred  inmates 

La  Crosse 

Madison  

Watertown 

Janesville 

Manitowoc  > 

Kenosha  

Appleton  

Beloit  

Wausau  

Rhinelander 


269 

51 

21 

19 

14 

12 

9 

7 

7 

9 

5 


New  London 
Mayville  . . . 
Neenah  . . . . 
Hartford 
Waupaca  . . 
Shawano  . . . 


4 

4 

3 

2 

2 

2 


(Statements  of  Investigators.) 

GX.  City  No.  87.  (p.  109.)  There  are  Jwenty-one  houses 

used  for  prostitution.  There  are  from  ten  to  fifteen  rooms  in 
each  of  these  houses.  The  average  rent  per  month  for  these 
houses  is  $150.00.  They  are  worth  about  $20.00  per  month. 
They  are  surrounded  by  a swamp.  Only  a few  negro  families 
living  around  these  places.  There  are,  on  the  average,  eight 

girls  in  a house.  All  of  the  houses  on Ave.  are  $1.00 

houses.  All  of  the  houses  on Ave.  are  $2.00  houses, 

except  the House.  The ’s  do  not  sell 

liquor.  All  houses  have  automatic  pianos,  operated  by  drop- 
ping a nickel  in  the  slot.  All  of  the  houses,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  House,  have  dancQ  rooms.  Nearly 

all  of  the  houses  have  one  or  two  musicians,  who  sing  and  play 
for  the  dancers.  This  means  about  forty  men  who  make  a liv- 
ing by  entertaining,  on  the  line.  All  inmates  of  the  houses 
are  required  to  live  in  the  houses  and  are  not  allowed  to  leave 
or  come  between  the  hours  of  8 :00  P.  M.  and  8 :00  A.  M.  In- 
mates pay  from  $6.00  to  $15.00  a week  for  board,  and  get  one- 
half  of  what  they  take  in.  Also  receive  10  cents  a round  on 
all  beer  sold  in  rooms.  Prostitutes  average  $35.00  a week  for 
themselves.  Some  of  the  girls  make  as  high  as  $100  a week. 
Two  policemen  patrol  the  district  at  night,  and  one  in  the 


40  Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

daytime.  When  there  is  any  trouble  with  customers,  a police- 
man is  called  in  (by  the  madam).  These  houses  are  ail  lo- 
cated in  one  block. 

GX67.  City  No.  87.  (p.  115).  Two  story  frame  building^.- 

Investigator  solicited  from  window.  CX67  is  the  madam.  Has 
a receiving  parlor.  Seven  inmates  counted.  Estimated  num- 
ber, twelve.  Six  men  in  parlor.  Price  of  prostitution,  $1.00. 
Drinks,  $1.00,  Avith  rebate  of  10  cents  to  Avoman.  Inmates 
dressed  in  kimonas.  Daily  receijits  of  girls,  $25.  Rent  paid, 
$125.00.  Actual  rental  value  $25.00.  One  girl  called  Blanche. 
Her  home  is  in  Minnesota.  She  has  carried  on  prostituton  for 

eight  years,  in , Wash., , Mont.,  and 

, Colorado.  Has  been  here  six  months.  Says 

business  is  very  poor  since  the  miners  haAm  been  on  strike. 

^ City  No.  88.  page  230.  Pearl ’s Aa'c. 

Occupies  a very  nicely  furnished  tAvo  story  and  baseiBent_ 
frame  house ; has  three  parlors  and  fiA'e  sleeping  rooms  for 
the  inmates;  place  is  a regular  parlor  house  sporting  resort 
and  is  being  run  Avide  open,  right  in  the  heart  of  the  city. 
There  are  four  inmates,  tAvo  bf^fhem  bj^  name  Elenora  and 
Alice ; dressed  in  loose  kimonas,  as  Avas  also  the  landlady  Avhen 
she  admitted  me  to  the  house.  This  is  a $2.00  house.  The 
landlady  receHes  half  the  girls  make  and  $2.50  per  week 
board.  Sells  local  beer,  price  $.50  a bottle.  Keeps  two  ser- 
vants, a AAdiite  housemaid  and  a colored  woman  cook,  Susan 
D.  by  name,  Avhom  she  recently  brought  here  from  Mihvaukee. 
Pearl  said  her  house  is  doing  a fine  business;  that  she  was 
here  four  years  Avith  Irene  as  housekeeper  and  inmate,  so 
has  made  her  OAvn  friends;  that  she  caters  only  to  the  best 
class  of  men ; does  not  admit  foreigners  or  other  rough  men ; 
further  said  mean  neighbors  Avho  Avere  sore  at  Irene  got  out 
a iietition  against  her  so  she  had  to  gh'e  up  the  house.  In 
telling  me  of  other  landladies  in  toAA'u,  said  that  Pearl  J. 

noAV  running  the  Flats,  Oshkosh, 

ran  the  House  here  for  years;  later  had  re- 

sorts in  Green  Bay  and  ManitoAvoe,  but  not  in  Racine,  that 
she  knew  of,  though  she  had  knoAvn  Pearl  for  years. 

Revisited  Pearl  ’s  parlor  house  sporting  re- 
sort,   Aa'O.  ; find  she  has  five  inmates,  by 

name,  Alice,  Kitty,  Elenora,  Martha  and  Jeanette;  also  that 
she  is  selling  Konrad  Scheier’s  Edelbrau  beer  at  50  cents  a 
bottle.  SeA^eral  eases  Avere  brought  in  while  1 Avas  there.  Dr. 
here  today  inspecting  the  girls. 

City  No.  30.  Page  193.  Jennie  , 

Street,  has  a Avell  furnished  three  story  and  basement  frame 


Report  of  tite  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


41 


dwelling  house  on  the  first  floor  of  which  is  a large  ball  room 
and  parlors  in  which  there  are  two  electric  pianos.  It  is  a 
regular  parlor  house  sporting  resort.  There  are  six  inmates; 
price  of  resort  $2.00.  Landlady  gets  one-half  the  girls  make 
for  their  privilege  and  their  first  $10.00  made  in  each  week, 
for  board.  Has  a housekeeper,  Mrs , cook,  house- 

maid and  hired  man.  Is  the  oldest  landlady  here,  and  is  about 
70  years  old  and  very  deaf ; is  the  owner  of  this  property.  Jen- 
nie doesn’t  allow  her  pimp,  T.  M.  to  do  anything,  though  he  is 
a plumber  by  trade;  at  times  he  does  a little  job  here  and 
there  as  a blind,  but  she  has  really  supported  him  for  years. 
She  is  generally  said  to  be  quite  wealthy.  Within  the  last  few 
days  two  inmates  came  here  from  sporting  resorts  in  a small 
Michigan  town. 

City  No.  59.  Sporting  House.  Page  82.  Occupies  a plainly 
furnished  frame  shack;  one  of  the  old  parlor  Rouse  resorts  of 
'The  red  light  district  on  River  St.;  was  closed  more  than  a 
year  ago.  Has  two  inmates,  WX50  and  WX51,  both  old  timers 
and  former  inmates  of  various  River  Street  resorts.  They 
solicit  men  passinsr,  from  the  windows.  Price  of  house,  $1.00. 
The  landlady.  WX49,  receives  half  the  girls  make.  She  col- 
lects a dollar  from  each  man,  giving  the  girl  he  selects  a check 
to  show  for  it  and  pays  off  once  a Aveek.  WX49  states,  that 
she  was  alwavs  naturally  bad  ; as  a little  girl  was  bad  with 
boys;  entered  a snorting  house  in  Detroit  before  she  was  fif- 
teen years  old.  Years  ago  she  came  here  and  at  first  worked 
in  a snorting  house,  but  money  came  too  sloAvly.  so  she  be.eame 
an  inmate,  finallv  obtaining  a resort  of  her  own;  also  states 
that  she  has  made  a great  deal  of  money  and  spent  thousands 
on  her  consort,  known  as  WX52.  Among  her  gifts  to  him  are 
an  .‘^1.800  automobile  and  a luxuriously  furnished  apartment 
in  the  WX53  flats.  She  has  never  closed  her  resort  entirelv; 
has  been  arrested  and  fined  several  times  since  the  district 
closed,  for  keeping  a disorderP^  house.  She  is  an  elderly  avo- 
man;  calls  herself  French.  Those  aaRo  have  knoAvn  her  for 
years  state  that  she  is  a colored  Avoman. 

Call  Houses. 

In  addition  to  the  so-called  “parlor  houses,”  “cribs”  and 
“road  houses,”  there  are  houses  of  call,  or  “call  houses.Ji,  Such 
places  are  conducted  by  a madam  who,  maintains  a more  or  less 
comfortable  place  of  meeiinjv  for  men  and  women  for  immoral 
purposes.  Customers  are  secured  by  runnei’s  ov  pimps,  and  fre- 
quently there  is  a regular  clientele.  When  a customer  comes  to 
such  a place,  the  madam  permits  him  to  select  from  a list  of 


42 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


women,  who  are  at  her  disposal,  one  with  whom  he  is  especially 
pleased  or  with  wEom  he  is  acquainted.  The  madam  then  calls 
one  or  more  from  a neighboring  hotel  or  roondiig  house,  c.r  even 
home,  usually  by  means  of  the  telephone.  Hence,  the  name  ‘ ‘ call 
house.  ” In  this  type  of  prostitution,  the  women  are  fre(|uently 
engaged  in  other  occupations,  and  supplemejit  tlieir  (irnirgs  by 
means  of  immoral  services.  Liquor  is  sold  at  an  exorbitant 
rate,  and  such  houses  are  usually  more  expensive  than  the  ordi- 
nary parlor  house,  catering  to  the  so-called  more  “respectable 
men”  of  the  city.  The  following  evidence  will  give  an  idea  of 
certain  call  houses  in  cities  of  Wisconsin. 

Reports  of  Investigators. 

City  59.  Page  250 flat.  Occupies  a well  furnished 

apartment  on  the  third  floor.  It  is  a private  sporting  resort, 
“aiidThas  no  inmates.  Trade  all  first  class  business  men.  Claims 
to  have  her  regular  friends.  Price  $2.00,  $.3.00  and  $5.00.  She 
has  been  arrested  recently  for  keeping  a disorderly  house. 
Says  she  usually  has  the  same  amount  of  business,  but  expected 
business  would  be  better  after  the  spring  election.  This  is  a 
good  district  and  generally  respectable  apartment  dbuildih^ 
so  she  says  they  run  very  quietly.  Their  friends  call  only 
by  appointment,  usually  during  the  afternoon,  or  early  even- 
ing, thus  avoiding  suspicion. 

occupies  a neatlx_fnrnished  four  room  flat  on  the 

first  floor.  Has  a man  friend,  Henry,  by  name,  whom  she 
claims  is  keeping  her.  Also  has  a few  other  men  friends  who 
call  by  appointment,  as  she  says  Henry  doesn’t  care  what 
she  does  so  long  as  he  doesn’t  see  anything.  Also  that  it  has 
got  so  a woman  can’t  make  any  money  for  herself  but  expects 
things  to  open  up  after  the  spring  election.  Pays  $14.00  rent. 
Has  no  regular  inmates,  but  has  a young  woman  friend  whom 
she  says  comes  here  on  call  to  meet  fellows.  Also  makes  dates 
to  meet  her  own  friends  here. 

City  59.  Page  256.  Well  furnished  flat,  second  floor,  be- 
ing run  quietly  on  account  of  a “nosey”  neighbor,  she  says.  Has 
a good  private  trade,  but  claims  times  are  very  tight  and  her 
business  slack  just  now.  Says  her  woman  friends  bring  their 
men  friends  in  here.  Are  office  girls.  Has  a couple  of  mar- 
ried Avomen  friends  who  meet  men  friends  here  because  they 
need  to  make  extra  money.  Claims  those  who  frequent  her 
])lace  are  not  sporting  Avomen.  Says  she  ueA'er  liA'ed  in  the 
district. 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


43 


Rooming  Houses  and  Ijodging  Houses. 

'Tliere  are  also  many  rooming  and  lodging  houses  which  are  used 
for  immoral  purposes,  in  which  men  or  woinmi  eJigage  their  rooms 
for  the  occasion,  and  to  which  their  customers  are  taken.  Tlicre 
may  also  be  regular  roomers.  This  is  one  of  the  most  unostenta- 
tious forms  of  commercialized  vice,  making  it  difficult  to  fasten 
the  responsibility  upon  proprietors  who  claim  ignorance  of  the 
existence  of  immorality  in  their  houses.  Under  an  efficient  en- 
forcement of  the  Linley  Law  by  city  and  state  officials,  this  form 
of  prostitution  would  receive  a severe  blow. 

In  cities  where  large  manufacturing  establishments  are  lo- 
cated and  _in  some  smaller  cities  there  are  many  of  these  cheap 
lodging  houses  and  rooming  houses.  In  some  eases  the  women 
engage  rooms  directly  for  immoral  purposes  and  here  take  their 
customers  secured  in  saloons,  restaurants  and  other  public  places 
and  picked  up  on  the  streets.  That  many  rent  by  the  visit  ov  per 
week  and  have  an  understanding  with  the  landlord  that  they  have 
the  privilege  of  bringing  their  customers  there  for  immoral  pur- 
poses, and  at  such  houses  a higher  rent  is  obtained,  is  a fact. 
These  houses  should  be  known  to  the  police,  as  our  investigator 
had  apparently  no  difficulty  in  finding  them. 

In  these  houses  no  register  is  kept ; any  person  may  enter.  No 
license  or  supervision  of  any  kind  is  required.  In  these  lodging 
houses  there  are  no  parlors  or  reception  rooms  for  the  lodgers. 
They  must  receive  their  callers  in  their  bedrooms.  The  large  ma- 
jority of  these  houses  are  run  by  people  responsible  in  the  begin- 
ning, but  the  desire  to  rent_as  many  rooms  as  possible  results 
in  landlords  becoming  less  careful  in  knowing  anything  about  the 
habits  or  morals  of  their  occupants.  The  young  man  or  young 
woman  coming  from  the  country  to  the  city  for  the  first  time, 
seeking  rooming  accommodations  is  as  likely  to  find  lodging  in 
such  a disreputable  house  as  in  a safe  and  respectable  house.  The 
manner  in  which  these  houses  are  conducted  not  only  suggests 
but  encourages  immorality  to  those  who  have  heretofore  led  vir- 
tuous lives.  This  is  especially  so  of  the  youths  coming  from  the 
country  or  small  village  who  are  not  familiar  wdth  the  city  cus- 
toms, and  is  especially  dangerous  when  they  are  away  from  home 
for  the  first  time  and  are  lonesome  and  desirous  of  companionship. 
The  modern  industrial  conditions  that  now  take  so  many  men 


44 


Eeport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


and  women  from  their  homes  to  these  places  of  temporary  em- 
ployment make  the  use  of  some  form  of  lodging  house  a neces- 
sity, and  demand  that  the  state  enact  some  laws  that  will  super- 
vise and  safeguard  their  use  and  prevent  the  present  immoral 
tendencies. 

In  some  cities  we  find  the  lodging  house  conditions  especially 
bad,  from  a sanitary  as  well  as  from  a moral  standpoint;  there 
are  many  places  housing  employees  from  southern  Europe 
where  a half  dozen  or  more  are  sleeping  in  one  room  with  nothing 
but  a cloth  curtain  between  portions  occupied  by  the  men  and 
those  occupied  by  the  women ; in  some  cases  a man  and  woman 
will  take  in  boarders  and  the  woman  becomes  practically  the  wife 
of  all  of  them.  Sometimes  from  ten  to  thirty  live  in  a house, 
and  the  woman  has  immoral  relations  with  practically  all  of  them. 
This  committee  has  the  addresses  of  a large  number  of  these 
rooming  houses  that  are  used  for  immoral  purposes. 

City  No.  30.  “The  place  occupies  a two  story,  rather  dilap]^ 
dated  frame  building.  Is  a cheap  boarding  house.  Laboring 
men  employed  in  the  shop  nearby  stay  here.  All  are  a pretty 
rough  class.  Where  there  is  no  bar,  men  drink  in  nearby 
saloon  and  bring  liquor  home.  The  hilarity  at  times  when 
they  are  very  much  intoxicated  has  given  the  place  a tough 

name says  she  believes  in  allowing  the  men  home 

freedom,  as  it  is  the  only  home  they  have,  so  allows  those  who 
have  a woman  friend  to  have  her  visit  them  in  their  rooms 
without  restriction.” 


Assignation  Hotels. 

One  of  the  conditions  leading  to  immorality  is  the  immoral 
hotel  that  caters  to  local  or  transient  trade,  where  rooms  are 
rented  for  a short  time  and  it  is  known  to  the  clerk  that  they 
are  to  be  used  for  immoral  purposes.  The  parties  in  some  cases 
are  requested  to  register,  though  no  question  is  asked  whether 
they  are  man  and  wife  or  not.  In  almost  every  city  visited,  the 
investigators  found  little  difficulty  in  getting  into  hotels  in  this 
manner,  and  the  committee  has  definite  reports  of  hundreds  in  the 
state.  At  the  hearings  information  was  sought  from  hotel  men 
as  to  the  advisability  and  practicability  of  requiring  persons  to 
register  separately  their  true  names  before  rooms  are  assigned 
and  making  it  a penal  offense  for  any  person  to  register  falsely 
their  names  upon  the  register.  Nearly  all  of  the  first  class  hotels 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee, 


45 


liave  said  that  it  would  be  a safe  and  proper  thing  to  do,  were 
the  law  to  apply  to  all  hotels.  Massachusetts  has  such  a law. 

In  one  city,  in  the  course  of  two  days,  our  investigators  were 
able  to  secure  rooms  in  twenty-one  hotels  without  even  being  re- 
cpiired  to  register  as  man  and  wife. 

While  it  is  true  that  most  of  the  carefully  conducted  hotels 
cannot  question  their  guests  and  thus  determine  their  legal  rela- 
tion, they  certainly  may  and  should  be  required  to  exclude  all 
persons  who  are  clearly  and  apparently  seeking  the  use  of  the 
hotel  for  immoral  purposes. 

Report  op  Investigator. 

City  No.  30.  Page  18,  Corner  of Street.  Three 

story  brj.ck..and  frame  building.  In  it  there  is  a bar,  wine  room 
~an3^dlning  room,  besides  the  hotel  and  other  rooms.  It  is  an 
assignation  resort.  Anything  goes  there.  One  of  the  tough- 
est joints  in  town.  There  are  no  regular  inmates,  but  two 
waitresses,  and  other  female  employes  are  allowed  to  take  a 
room  with  a man  at  Avill.  Others  come  there  with  men,  and 

according  to  the  story  of  , one  of  the  waitresses, 

are  not  required  to  register.  Miss  says  that  while 

their  register  may  not  show  up  as  well  as  some  places,  her 
father  is  doing  as  good  a business  as  any,  because  he  doesn’t 
always  have  his  friends  sign.  Near  both  depots. 

City  No,  30.  Page  19.  Hotel  on Street.  Two  story 

frame  building, — disorderly  apartments  on  second  floor.  Saloon 
"in'  connection.  Is  principally  an  assignation  house.  Couples 
Niome  here  for  rooms  and  are  accommodated  and  no  questions 
asked.  It  is  near  the  depot,  and  traveling  men  stop  here 

quite  frequently.  A young  Avoman  from  near is  here 

for  the  ostensible  purpose  of  keeping  company  for  the  land- 
lady,  who  says  she  does  very  well  and  makes  pretty  good 
money  off  from  men  friends  she  meets. 

City  No.  30.  Hotel  on St.  jias  neatly  furnished 

rooms  on  the  second  floor,  and  has  an  inside  connection  by 
means  ofliack  stairs  and  halhvay  with  a room  in  the  rear  of 
The  saloon.  This  is  an  assignation  resort.  Rooms  are  rented 
to  couples  without  discrimination,  $1.00  each.  Liquors  are 
served  in  the  rooms  from  the  saloon  by  use  of  backstairs.  Girl 

19  years  old  Avho  lives  on  Avenue,  also  a salesgirl 

in  a ten-cent  store,  told  me  that  they  would  get  fellows 

(friends)  there,  but  they  entered  the  hotel  from  Mr ’s 

house,  because  they  sayl  people  who  saw  them  enter  think 


46 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


nothing  of  it,  not  knowing  Avhere  they  are  going.  There  are 
no  regular  inmates,  although  the  girl  who  does  chamber  work 
says  she  is  allowed  to  make  some  money  for  herself,  if  no 
other  girls  are  around  when  company  calls.  Says  that  the 
day  bartender  is  very  good  to  her.  Afternoons  often  sends 
her  a good  man.  Says  if  the  man  gives  her  $2.00  the  house 
gets  $1.00,  but  if  he  doesn’t  stay  long  and  only  has  $1.50,  she 

gives  the  house  50  cents.  Furtiier  says  that  . , 

a sport,  comes  here  pretty  regularly  to  entertain  men. 

City  No.  47.  Page  47.  Lai'g^brick  building  three  stories 
high,  62  rooms.  Eight  unescorted  women  about  the  place. 
Five  women  loitering  on  the  street.  Hotel  located  in  busy 
section.  Four  women  seen  stopping  men  in  the  entrance  and 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  entrance.  Three  men  seen  to  go  into 
the  hotel;  has  a receiving  parlor — disorderly  apartments  on 
second  floor.  A saloon  across  the  street  sends  trade  there. 
Six  inmates  counted — estimate  the  number,  twelve.  Price  of 
women  $1.00  and  $2.00,  or  as  much  more  as  can  be  obtained. 
Only  girls  living  in  the  house  can  bring  a man  there  for  fifty 
cents  and  entertain  him.  Names  of  girls  given. 

City  No.  47,  p.  58.  Three  story  brick  building  locat£d_in 
bad  neighborhood.  Majority  of  apartment  located  on  second 
floor.  Has  no  women  inmates.  On  account  of  the  had  repiN 
tation,  only  men  of  the  commonest  class  come  here,  for  twenty- 
five  cents  a bed.  Is  also  doing  a good  business  in  this  way: 
A couple  comes  here  and  each  takes  a fift5-cent  room  in  which 
there  is  but  one  bed,  and  are  given  adjoining  rooms.  Nearly 
all  are  connected  by  doors  fastened  only  by  hooks  on  one  side 
of  the  door.  In  this  way  both  parties  register  singly,  yet  are 
together.  The  wife  of  the  proprietor  says  the  house  is  not  re- 
sponsible for  such  acts  as  they  are  not  supposed  to  know  of. 

City  No.  47.  Hotel Nicely  furnished,  located 

in  sporty  neighborhood.  Four  women  loitering  in  the  neigh- 
borhood. Disorderly  apartments  located  on  second  floor.  Sa- 
loon in  connection.  Price  of  rooms,  $1.00.  This  is  an  assigna- 
tion hotel,  though  at  first  it  Avould  be  taken  for  a strictly  man’s 

hotel , a 19-year-old  girl,  stated  to  im-estigator 

that  she  had  taken  different  felloAvs  to  this  hotel  and  they 
Avere  given  a room,  and  further  said,  “If  you  want  to  make  a 
dollar  for  yourself,  go  to  Mr.  (proprietor)  and  make  arrange- 
ments, saying  I sent  you,”  This  is  the  safest  hotel,  as  the  po- 
lice never  bother  there. 

City  No.  56.  Hotel While  at  dinner,  made  a 

date  Avith  one  of  the  Avaitresses,  and  it  was  understood  that 
this  Avas  for  immoral  purposes,  though  it  was  not  agreed  that 


Keport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee.  47 

we  should  use  the  hotel  room.  The  bell  boy  at  this  hotel  iu- 
loriiiea  me  mat  tins  girl  was  "sporty  aud  that  she  was  wiii- 
lug  to  do  business,  and  that  her  partner  was  also  “sporty” 
and  mat  any  of  tne  waitresses  would  consent  to  have  immoral 
relations  with  men.  On  the  next  day,  the  niglit  clerk,  MX4, 
said  to  the  investigator  that  he  could  take  a girl  to  his  room 
and  not  be  bothered,  in  one  of  the  rooms  of  this  hotel,  this 
night,  a crap  game  was  in  progress,  and  MX4  took  part  in  it, 
and  the  bell  boy  lost  money  on  the  game.  An  engineer  here 
said  he  v/ould  call  one  of  the  waitresses  here  and  have  her 
come  to  my  room  or  1 could  go  to  her  room.  This  was  about 
two  o’cloelt  in  the  morning.  When  the  bell  boy  tries  to  hx 
dates  with  waitresses,  he  tries  to  avoid  the  head  waitress. 

City  No.  56.  MX  7 Hotel.  Has  cigar  stand  with 
clerk.  So  far  as  I could  ascertain,  this  girl  appeared  to  be 
straight  although  she  was  willing  to  make  dates  and  go  out 
with  traveling  men.  She  made  dates  to  go  with  investigator. 
The  manicurist  at  the  barber  shop  near  this  hotel  does  not  so- 
licit men,  but  she  is  willing  to  make  dates,  as  she  did  ivith  me, 
to  go  out,  or  willing  to  make  a date  to  meet  investigator  in 
Chicago  tor  immoral  purposes.  She  suggested  that  we  might 
go  to  the  MX13  hotel,  but  this  suggestion  was  not  carried  out. 
This  seems  to  indicate  the  rumors  to  the  elfeet  that  couples 
are  alloived  to  occupy  rooms  at  the  MX13  hotel,  though  un- 
married, are  true.  In  MX19  hotel,  I attempted  to  make  a 
date  with  one  of  the  ivaitresses.  She  said  she  could  not  go 
out  with  me  that  day,  but  that  she  could  get  one  of  the  other 
girls  upstairs  to  go  out  with  me.  All  reports  in  regard  to  this 
hotel  are  very  bad.  It  is  reported  that  couples  can  secure 
rooms  there  or  that  a man  can  meet  one  of  the  girls  there  to 
go  to  a room  Avith  him.  The  alley  across  from  MX  1 hotel 
gives  access  to  the  back  entrance  to  the  MX  19  hotel.  It  is 
reported  that  immoral  practices  are  indulged  in  back  of  the 
lattice  work  of  this  alley,  and  that  the  girls  stand  in  the  en- 
trance of  this  alley  and  pick  up  felloAvs. 

City  No.  66.  Hotel  WX  17.  (Page  73.)  Place  is  comfort- 
ably furnished...  Three  story  brick  building,  having  a well 
furnished  barroom  and  barber  shop  attached.  Guests  are 
mirstTy  transient.  Price  of  room  75  cents  and  $1.00.  Pew  of 
the  guests  are  Avomen.  Women  guests  are  alloAved  to  enter- 
tain men  in  their  rooms — those  aaIio  are  also  house  guests. 
Boom  15  is  occupied  by  a man  alone,  so  Clara,  the  maid,  tells 
me,  but  on  three  occasions  have  heard  this  man  bring  a woman 
in  with  him  late  at  night.  On  one  of  these  occasions  drinks 
were  served  them  in  the  room  several  times.  Prom  their  con- 
versation and  language  used,  which  could  be  heard  by  the  in- 


48 


IIeport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


vestigator,  wlio  occuiiied  room , he  knows  it  was  not  the 

man’s  wife.  One  of  the  regular  guests,  a man,  in  room  6,  asked 
investigator  if  she  manicured.  1 replied,  “Yes,”  and  he  asked 
if  I would  do  his  nails.  My  answer  was  there  was  no  parlor 
in  which  it  could  he  done.  He  says,  “can’t  I come  to  your 
room?”  I said  no,  that  would  not  look  right.  Then  he  said, 
“Come  to  my  room  and  it  Avill  be  all  right  here,  the  proprie- 
tor doesn’t  care.”  To  this  the  maid,  who  was  nearby,  said, 
“Go  ahead,  it  is  all  right,”  but  I refused.  From  the  maid  I 
learned  that  the  night  clerk  can  be  handed  some  money,  and 
he  will  not  see  Avho  comes  in. 

City  No.  58.  RX.  Page  358.  The  population  of  this  city  is 
2,200.  I asked  the  man  in  charge  of  the  garage  where  I could 
spend  the  evening  and  have  a good  time.  He  replied,  “We 
have  24  saloons,  but  not  a sporting  house.”  He  then  told  me 

of  the  hotel He  said  “Well  the  cook,  A X,  is  game, 

and  she  will  go  Avith  you.  There  is  also  another  there  by  the 
name  of  B X.”  He  said,  “Be  there  at  8:30  and  I Avill  intro- 
duce you.  You  don’t  have  to  be  afraid;  go  right  after  her.  I 
have  had  immoral  relations  Avith  her  four  or  fiA'e  times. 
BX  is  also  game.”  At  8:15  the  dark  girl  AX,  and  BX, 
the  little  Avaitress,  came  out  of  the  hotel,  and  I said : 
“Hello”.  A traveling  man  came  out  of  the  hotel.  I said: 
“Girls,  Ave  are  strangers  and  want  you  to  shoAv  us  your 
toAvn.”  AX  said,  “We  aauII  go  and  get  a drink  doAvn  the 
street.”  We  Avent  to  X saloon,  entered  the  wine  room  Avhich 
is  closed  off  the  saloon.  The  first  round  of  drinks  A X took 
beer;  B X cream  beer.  The  second  round  both  girls  ordered 
and  Avere  served  Avith  beer,  by  proprietor,  and  the  third  rormd 
all  took  beer.  B X is  16  years  old.  No  questions  in  regard  to 
ages  asked.  Then  Avent  to  Y saloon.  Wine  room  in  rear.  Had 
tAvo  rounds  of  drinks.  Both  girls  ordered  and  drank  beer, 
served  by  the  proprietor.  Then  Avent  to  Z saloon.  Had  one 
round  of  liquor.  All  Avere  serAmd  by  proprietor. 

Then  Avent  to  B & L saloon.  HaA^e  to  go  through  dark  room 
to  get  to  Avine  room.  It  is  closed  off  the  saloon.  Room  A'ery 
dark.  All  served  beer.  No  one  came  to  the  room  except  Avhen 
called.  Anything  at  all  would  go  in  this  room  as  no  one 
Avould  be  caught. 

This  is  a very  Ioav  dNe,  and  anything  could  be  done  and 
Avould  be  permitted.  This  place  is  a disgrace  to  the  city  and 
a regular  cess  pool  of  vice.  From  here  Ave  Avent  to  the  hotel 

entering  the  dining  room  AAdiere  I obseiwed  a couple 

loving  each  other  up.  They  Avere  sitting  in  the  dark,  so  I 
turned  on  the  light,  and  the  couple  quickly  emerged  from 
their  embarrassing  position,  and  then  joined  us  at  the  table. 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee.  49 

i . 

AX  introduced  this  girl  as  C X.  He  said:  “This  is  the  girl  I 
told  you  about  that  was  out  all  night;  see  how  she  looks.” 

The  proprietor  served  beer  to  all  and  A X then  turned  out 
the  lights.  When  more  beer  was  ordered  they  were  turned 
on  again.  There  was  no  objection  by  any  one  to  this  proce- 
dure. C X is  18  years  old. 

The  fellow  with  C X told  me  he  had  her  out  all  night  and 
turned  her  in  at  6 :30  A M.  Told  me  he  had  been  to  a dance 
with  her  the  night  before.  I asked  him  what  kind  of  a girl 
B X is.  He  said : ‘ ‘ ISlie  is  only  a young  girl,  but  she  is  all 
right.”  The  man  with  B X said  he  had  it  arranged  and 
that  B X was  coming  to  his  room  tonight.  A X then  said  to 
me:  “You  are  in  room  8.  I will  come  to  your  room,  be  sure 
to  leave  the  door  open.”  BX  staid  all  night  Avith  the  man 
in  his  room. 

City  No.  102.  Neatly  equipped  hotel  with  bar  attached — 
leading  hotel.  Said  to  be  a a day  and  up  house.  Up- 

stairs are  neatly  furnished  hotel  rooms.  About  all  the  guests 
are  traveling  men,  though  they  have  a fcAV  regulars  stay  here. 

In  the  dining  room  are  three  floor  Avaitresses  and , 

head  Avaitress.  Help’s  quarters  are  in  the  adjoining  building, 
in  the  rear  of  the  hotel.  These  girls  are  a very  bad  set.  In 
Talks  with  WX  2 and  WX  3,  Avaitresses  at  this  hotel,  am  told 
that  this  hotel  lets  rooms  for  couples  for  assignation  purposes, 
and  has  a good  deal  of  that  sort  of  trade  among  the  better 
class  of  young  people,  many  of  Avhom  would  not  dare  to  go 
to  a less  respectable  place  for  fear  of  being  found.  Both  girls 
say  such  guests  are  served  Avhatever  drinks  they  desire  iff 
their  rooms  and  that  they  only  remain  a fcAv  hours.  Also  that 
this  is  a good  place  to  meet  and  make  dates  with  traveling 
men  and  the  proprietor  of  this  hotel  does  not  care  what  they 
do  after  Avorking  hours,  so  long  as  they  are  able  to  fill  their 
places  the  next  day.  Also  had  a talk  with  another  waitress 
in  this  hotel,  Avho  said  that  it  Avas  a place  to  meet  fine  felloAvs 
— that  all  the  girls  Avorking  there  made  dates  Avith  them — that 
the  salaries  Avere  but  $18.00  a month,  so  some  go  out  for  money 
to  dress  on — others  for  a good  time.  Further  says  that  most 
of  the  working  girls  in  toAvn  go  out  Avith  fellows  for  a good 
time,  and  that  some  of  them  are  living  at  home  with  their  peo- 
ple. Claims  this  hotel  does  a good  assignation  business — has 
the  better  class  of  trade.  Says  she  makes  dates  sometimes 
herself,  and  goes  out  Avith  the  felloAvs  and  is  a lover  of  beer. 

City  No.  102 Hotel.  Office,  kitchen  and  din- 

ing room  downstairs.  Upstairs  tAventy-four  neatly  furnished 
rooms.„  At  this  time  there  were  seven  regular  boarders.  Other 


4— V.  o. 


50 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


guests  were  traveling  men  or  couples  to  take  a room  for  the 
night — price  $i.UU.  According  to  WX  14,  a waitress,  the  house 
does  a good  assignation  business,  and  when  there  are  several 
couples  taking  rooms  there  at  the  same  night,  all  are  not  re- 
quired to  register , a 16-year-old  girl,  who  is 

working  here,  corroborates  this  statement.  Both  girls  say 
they  go  out  with  men  although  they  have  steady  beaus  and  are 
treated  swell.  Further  say  they  meet  line  traveling  men  here 
and  go  out  with  them  sometimes  and  with  others  they  go  to 
their  rooms  in  the  hotel.  When  these  girls  have  gone  out 

with  the  men,  they  say  they  have  had  rooms  at  the 

CWX  15)  hotel,  or  the  WX  7 hotel. 

City  No.  102.  Plotel  WX  30.  Three  story  frame  building 
having  twenty-seven  shabbily  furnrshed,  dirty  bedrooms! 
a common  class  of  laboring  men.  Is  also  a shelter  for  drunken 
bums  seeking  cheap  lodging  rooms.  ISome  of  the  rooms  espe- 
cially prepared  tor  this  class  of  trade.  Has  few  regular 
boarders.  Anyone  can  get  accommodation  here  and  it  is  nor 
necessary  to  register.  Men  boarders  are  allowed  to  entertain 
their  women  friends  in  their  rooms. 

I 

City  No.  80.  Operative  went  to  the  hotel 

and  told  the  clerk  that  she  Avanted  to  haAA  her  gentlemen 
friends  come  to  her  room — that  she  made  her  money  by  sport- 
ing. The  clerk  said  she  could  have  aujmne  she  Avanted  in  her 
room  and  told  her  he  Avould  throAV  her  lots  of  trade,  as  he  had 
lots  of  men  Avho  came  in  and  Avanted  girls.  He  told  the  oper- 
ative that  she  Avould  have  no  trouble  in  getting  a lot  of  tradt;, 
as  felloAvs  like  good  looking  girls.  OperatHe  told  him  that 
there  Avas  a traveling  man  that  Avas  coming  up  that  night  and 
that  he  should  send  him  right  up  to  her  room,  Avhich  he  said 
he  Avould  do.  He  then  asked  the  operath-e,  if  she  drank  beer, 
and  Avhen  she  said  she  did,  he  Avent  doAvnstairs  and  on  return- 
ing had  a bottle  of  beer  Avhich  he  handed  to  her  and  then  went 
doAvnstairs.  About  7 :30  P.  IM.  the  man  operatiA-e  came  to  the 
liotel  and  asked  this  same  clerk  if  there  Avas  a “Jane”  stay- 
ing there  by  the  name  of  , and  AA*hen  told  that 

there  Avas,  that  he  Avas  expected  and  that  he  should  go  right 

up  to  room  , but  not  to  make  too  much  noise.  Man 

operative  Avent  up,  and  after  talking  to  lady  operatHe  for 
thirty  minutes,  came  doAA'n  and  Avent  to  his  own  room  in 
hotel. 

Massachusetts  Vice  Commission  Report,  page  17.  A disor- 
derly hotel  is  one  to  which  the  prostitutes  habitually  bring 
their  customers  for  immoral  purposes  from  the  streets,  cafes, 
saloons  and  other  public  places.  One  of  the  most  frequent  and 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


51 


couspicuous  expressions  of  prostituton  in  Massachusetts  is  the 
use  made  of  the  disorderly  liotels  by  xirostitutes.  Certain  ho- 
tels were  evidently  planned  and  built  and  run  for  this  special 
purpose.  The  prostitutes  and  their  male  customers,  who  usu- 
ally pretend  to  be  man  and  wife,  are  the  principal  patrons  of 
many  of  these  hotels,  in  many,  no  register  is  kept.  Those 
who  register  usually  do  so  under  lietitious  names.  The  women 
often  take  a room  at  the  same  hotel  with  different  men  sev- 
eral times  in  one  week,  or  even  several  times  in  a single  even- 
ing. These  tvomen  are  known  and  habitual  prostitutes.  Ab- 
solutely no  questions  are  asked.  Young  girls  are  often  as- 
signed to  rooms  with  men  much  older  than  themselves.  Many 
young  girls  not  yet  professional  prostitutes  have  admitted  to 
the  investigator  that  they  often  occupied  rooms  with  men  in 
certain  specified  hotels.  Women  who  come  to  the  desk  at 
these  hotels  to  register  are  often  connected  with  the  hotel — 
that  is,  they  solicit  in  a saloon  attached  to  the  hotel  and  are 
intimate  with  the  waiters  and  other  employees  who  aid  them 
in  securing  customers.  Some  disorderly  hotels,  especially  in 
smaller  cities,  keep  immoral  women  in  the  house,  ostensibly  as 
waitresses,  or  chambermaids,  or  prostitutes  from  the  town. 
The  same  room  is  often  assigned  to  many  different  couples  in 
one  day.  The  use  of  these  hotels  by  so  many  persons  for  im- 
moral purposes  at  relatively  high  prices  and  the  profit  from  the 
incidental  sale  of  liquor  to  these  same  guests,  give  these  hotels 
an  earning  value  far  in  excess  of  that  to  be  obtained  if  used 
for  any  legitimate  purpose.  It  is  inconceivable  that  the  state 
of  affairs  described  above,  which  may  be  verified  by  any  ob- 
server, cannot  be  remedied  by  jiroper  legislation,  or  by  modi- 
fication of  existing  licensing  conditions. 

Apartment  Houses.  : 

Among  the  more  expensive  and  so-called  respeeiable  forms  of 
prostitution  is  that  carried  on  in  apartment  houses  or  in  tene- 
ments. In  some  places,  notably  iSlew  York,  this  crime  is  more 
severely  punished  than  other  forms  of  the  same  evil,  due  to  the 
fact  that  its  evil  effects  often  contaminate  other  families  living 
in  the  same  building.  The  vigorous  enforcement  of  the  Linley 
Law  in  this  state  would  make  such  practices  very  rare.  Cases 
have  already  been  brought  before  the  authorities  in  Milwaukee 
and  the  houses  placed  under  heavy  bond  to  abate  the  nuisance. 
The  following  cases  are  illustrations  of  apartment  houses  used 
for  immoral  purposes. 

City  No.  102.  WX  5.  Has  a very  nice,  neatly  furnished  flat 
on  the  second  floor,  rear!  Is  running  quite  a sporting  resortT 


-4- 


52 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Is  receiving  her  men  friends.  Says  they  are  three  or  five  dol- 
lar men.  All  business  men.  She  doesn’t  cater  to  the  com- 
mon Class  ot  trade.  Also  a few  of  her  girl  friends  meet  their 

nice  company  here,  among  them  who  told  me 

of  this  place.  To  tliese  the  price  of  the  room  is  one  dollar  and 
one  dollar  and  fifty  cents.  Claims  to  have  a newly  married 
couple  stopping  with  her.  Says  the  bride,  WX  6,  is  an  old 
friend  of  hers.  Further  says  “many  of  the  girls  go  out  with 
the  men  here.”  Says  that  all  hotels  take  such  guests,  but  in 
spite  of  this,  she  has  done  Avell  because  nice  men  like  a private 
resort,  besides  she  has  her  own  friends.  WX  4 is  thinking  of 

returning  to  her  home.  In  that  case  will  sell  out 

to  WX  b.  She  is  about  twenty  years  old,  a typical  sporting 
girl  in  appearance.  This  afternoon  Avas  dressed  in  a flimsy 
robe  and  boudoir  cap.  Says  she  keeps  a case  of  beer  and  a 
little  whiskey  on  hand  for  her  friends,  to  liven  things  up. 

City  No.  59 Street,  flat  two.  Occupies  a 

very  comfortably  furnished  apartment,  although  nearly  alTbl 
the  rooms  are  bedrooms  on  the  second  floor.  Is  a high  gfafie 
assignation  resort.  Claims  to  have  the  very  best  of  tracteF=^ 
those  who  prefer  a quietly  conducted  place  to  a public  resort. 
Also  says  tliat  she  gets  $1.50  to  $2.00  for  the  use  of  a room  for 
a few  hours.  Further  says  she  has  a feAV  nice  Avomen  friends 
who  come  on  call  to  fill  dates.  Also,  if  people  are  only  quiet, 
this  is  a splendid  toAvn  in  Avhich  to  do  business.  Is  an  elderly 
woman,  and  has  been  operating  here  for  years  without  police 
interference. 

I asked  the  janitor  of  the  apartments  if  he 

knew  Avhere  I could  get  some  “chicken.”  He  replied  I need 
not  go  aAvay  from  these  apartments.  Although  he  made  this 
remark,  he  did  not  gHe  me  any  definite  information. 

Then  Avent  to  the Apartments,  on 

Street.  Lady  sitting  in  the  parlor,  who  answered  the  bell. 
She  was  attired  in  kimona  Avith  no  corsets  on.  Any  person 
passing  along  the  sideAvalk  could  easily  see  her  sitting  in  the 
rocking  chair  in  the  parlor,  Avhich  is  in  the  front  room.  She 

informed  me  that  she  formerly  lived  on Street, 

but  moved  to  this  place  about  a year  ago.  Said  she  paid 
$35.00  a month  for  seven  rooms — keeps  the  rear  bedroom  and 
another  room  and  kitchen  for  her  OAvn  use.  The  others  she 
rents  to  transient  trade,  and  stated  to  me  that  she  rents  a room 
tAvice  an  evening  at  $2.00  a date,  so  she  makes  $4.00  per  night 
on  a room.  She  said  that  the  flat  below  had  two  girls  there  at 
night.  She  said  she  heard  that  there  was  going  to  be  about 
fifty  spotters  next  week  to  get  all  the  dope  on  sporting  houses. 
She  added  that  they  would  have  to  go  into  every  apartment 
house  in  toAvn,  for  they  were  scattered  all  over.  On  this  ae- 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


53 


count  she  said  they  would  have  to  be  very  careful  all  along 
that  block.  She  said  that  the  flat  north  of  hers  was  occupied 

by  Miss , who  has  occupied  it  for  thirteen  years 

and  always  has  had,  and  still  has,  girls  with  her. 

Palm  Gardens. 

The  committee  finds  that  in  many  cities  where  immorality  is 
most  prevalent,  there  are  numerous  palm  gardens  to  which  women 
and  girls  are  free  to  go  and  spend  their  evenings.  The  ostensible 
purpose  of  these  places  is  entertainment,  which  is  furnished  by 
the  proprietors  with  free  admission.  Small  tables  are  provided 
and  many  people  pass  their  evenings  there.  The  entertainment 
is  usually  musical  in  its  nature.  The  establishment  is  run  pri- 
marily for  the  sale  of  liquors,  although  light  lunches  and  cigars 
are  also  on  sale.  This  form  of  entertainment  is  utilized  by  the 
liquor  interests,  and  the  music  and  other  entertainment  make 
these  places  appeal  to  a certain  type  of  unsophisticated  young 
person. 

There  are  many  serious  and  dangerous  elements  in  these  re- 
sorts. Immorality  is  induced  and  facilitated.  The  persons  who 
participate  in  the  hospitality  furnished  by  these  places  must,  by 
custom,  buy  drinks  or  in  other  ways  spend  their  money  liber- 
ally. Young  people  are  urged  by  the  examples  of  others  about 
them  to  try  the  strong  drinks.  The  result  is  that  the  young  man 
and  young  woman  unaccustomed  to  intoxicating  liquors,  are  soon 
under  its  influence,  and  all  too  frequently  a waiting  cab  or  auto- 
mobile takes  them  away  to  a road  house  or  assignation  resort 
where  prostitution  is  practiced  and  encouraged. 

One  of  the  great  dangers  of  the  palm  gardens  lies  in  the  fact 
that  they  are  the  nightly  resort  of  many  of  the  wealthier  people 
of  the  cities,  a fact  which  throws  a glamor  of  public  sanction 
about  such  places,  at  least  in  the  eyes  of  young  persons. 

The  evidence  before  the  committee  shows  that  the  palm  gar- 
dens, like  many  other  public  resorts,  are  commonly  frequented 
by  prostitutes  seeking  customers.  They  freely  mingle  with  in- 
experienced young  people,  and  moral  contamination  surely  fol- 
lows. It  is  also  a noteworthy  fact  that  the  number  of  palm  gar- 
dens as  a profitable  adjunct  to  the  saloon  is  rapidly  growing,  and 
that  the  menace  is  thereby  becoming  more  general  and  more  seri- 
ous. Many  of  the  young  men  and  women  who  enter  these  places 
would  be  ashamed  to  enter  a common  saloon. 


54 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


The  evidence  secured  by  investigators  and  the  testimony  of 
persons  at  the  hearings  of  the  committee  follow  the  next  section. 

Wine  Eooms. 

In  conjunction  with  many  saloons  are  neatly  furnished  and  at- 
tractive wine  rooms,  so-called,  to  which  women  are  free  to  go. 
In  many  of  these  places  are  stalls  or  booths.  The  recognized  evil 
effects  of  these  adjuncts  have  stirred  some  officials  tp  action,  and 
their  use  has  been  forbidden  in  many  cities.  The  evidence  indi- 
cates that  such  wine  rooms  are  utilized  as  meeting  places  for  pros- 
titutes and  their  customers,  a place  convenient  to  make  dates  and 
other  arrangements  for  the  practice  of  immoral  relations.  Solic- 
iting is  open  and  common,  the  bartender  acting  as  a convenient 
agent  between  the  customers  and  the  prostitute.  Even  many 
immoral  women  who  are  not  permitted  to  enter  the  front  door 
of  such  establishments  are  admitted  by  a side  entrance,  which  is 
provided  and  which  makes  the  place  more  difficult  to  watch  andT^ 
adds  to  its  menace  to  public  health  and  morals.  In  some  cases 
these  side  entrances  are  conspicuously  designated  by  the  signs 
“Family  Entrance,”  “Ladies’  Entrance,”  “Palm  Garden,” 
etc.  So  misleading  and  damaging  is  such  a designation  that 
many  cities  by  ordinance  have  forbidden  the  use  of  such  terms. 
It  is  a significant  fact  that  the  evidence  in  nearly  every  hearing 
of  the  committee  has  been  that  women  should  be  entirely  excluded 
from  saloons,  while  a few  persons  have  maintained  that  women 
should  not  be  permitted  in  the  same  room  of  the  saloon  with  men. 
In  a questionaire  sent  out  by  the  committee  to  all  district  attor- 
neys of  the  state,  the  following  question  Avas  asked:  “Are  girls 
or  Avomen  permitted  to  frequent  the  saloons  and  wine  rooms  in 
your  city?”  Forty-four  ansAA’ered,  “no,”  while  fourteen  an- 
swered, “yes.”  In  answer  to  the  following  question,  “In  your 
judgment,  what  effect  has  the  frequenting  of  saloons  by  Avomen 
upon  their  morals?”  the  general  answer  was,  “bad,”  “dam- 
nable, ’ ’ etc.  One  district  attornej^  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  state 
ansAA^ered,  “Common  decency  seems  to  ansAver  that  question  by 
saying  that  it  Avould  be  decidedly  demoralizing  and  vicious  upon 
the  community  in  which  such  practices  are  tolerated.”  In  an- 
swer to  the  question,  “Should  girls  or  women  be  permitted  in  the 
Avine  rooms  and  saloons  AA'ith  the  opposite  sex?”  fifty-two  out  of 
fifty- tAAm,  all  that  ansAvered,  replied,  “no.”  In  answer  to  the 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


55 


question,  “What  would  be  the  effect  of  the  meeting  of  the  two 
sexes  in  such  places?”  the  answers  were,  “bad, ” “ very  bad,” 
“immorality,”  “pernicious,”  “physical  and  moral  degeneracy,” 
etc.  One  district  attorney  answered,  “I  believe  that  the  wine 
room  is  very  detrimental  to  girls  who  frequent  them.  Girls  Avho 
frequent  wine  rooms  stand,  perhaps,  in  the  greatest  danger  of  be- 
coming immoral.  ’ ’ Another  district  attorney  in  the  eastern  part 
of  the  state  answered  the  foregoing  question  thus,  “I  believe  the 
most  depraved  member  of  society  would  disapprove  of  such  con- 
duct, if  he  were  to  voice  the  sentiments  of  a conscientious  heart.  ’ ’ 

“A  palm  garden  in  connection  with  a wine  room  is  becom- 
ing one  of  the  most  notorious  of  the  latter  day  resorts.  This 
is  particularly  true  of  the  large  cities  and  is  rapidly  spread- 
ing throughout  the  smaller  cities.  The  only  surprise  to  any- 
one who  steps  into  one  of  the  places  for  an  hour  or  so  and 
observes  the  amount  of  liquor  drunk  and  the  acts  that  take 
place,  is  how  it  is  possible  for  any  female  frequenter  offffhese 
places  to  long  remain  moral.  The  fact  that  in  front  of  each" 
of  these  places  cab  drivers  and  automobiles  for  hire  are  sol- 
idly lined  up  at  the  curb  ready  to  take  the  frequenters  to  the 
road  houses  and  immoral  resorts,  indicates  one  of  the  plain 
purposes  and  the  result  of  the  operation  of  such  places.  At 
these  places  women  and  girls  are  plied  with  liquor  until  they 
are  helpless.” 

Typical  evidence  secured  by  investigators  follows. 

City  No.  47.  MXW.  Bar_is  located  on  the  left  side.  Ten 
Avine  tables  in  the  rear.  Serve  lunch,  but  mostly  drinks. 
^Wdhieip  bohli  escorted  and  unescorted,  come  in  here.  About 
eight  women  and  men  Avere  here  Avhile  the  investigator  was 
])resent.  They  Avere  in  the  wine  room  at  the  tables  and  were 
intoxicated. 

City  No.  59.  Palm  garden  plainly  furnished  and  has  inside, 
connection  at  the  rear  Avith  a saloon.  A colored  pianist, 
WX  48.  and  a,  colored  Avoman  sine’er,  furnish  the  entertain- 
ment from  eight  to  twelve  P.  M.  The  singer  indulges  in  rag- 
time and  smutty  songs  as  AAmll  as  popular  ones  to  the  delight 
of  her  hearers  and  occasionally  does  a vulgar  dance.  White 
and  colored  persons,  strangers,  are  alloAved  to  drink  together 
at  the  tables.  It  is  a meeting  place  for  the  colored  pimps  and 
the  Avhite  Avomen.  Colored  Avomen  prostitutes  gather  here  to 
solicit  AAdiites  AAdio  bapnen  to  be  attracted  bv  the  singing  aiid 
spend  a short  time  in  the  place.  WX  48,  the  colored  Avoman 
AAdio  sang  here  until  a fcAv  days  ago,  tells  me  that  WX  47  pays 


56 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


the  singer  $12.00  per  week  and  the  privilege  of  soliciting  any 
man  she  can,  and  taking  same  to  the  hotel  rooms  above.  Sev- 
eral pimps  and  rounders  make  this  their  hangout.  WX  47 
protects  them  from  arrest  as  vagrants  by  calling  them  em- 
ployees of  the  place. 

WX  44.  Palm  garden.  This  is  a well  furnished  cafe  and 
furnishes  a business  men’s  lunch  from  11  A.  M.  to  2 P.  M.  and 
thereafter  meals  “a  la  carte.”  WX  46  is  the  manager  of 
the  place.  The  palm  garden  is  a very  large  one.  Entertain- 
ment begins  at  the  palm  garden  about  three  P.  M.  and  con- 
tinues until  midnight.  A regular  cabaret  show  is  furnished. 
All  summer  long  they  have  had  a famous  band  here.  The 
leading  sporting  men  of  the  city  and  those  Avho  happen  here 
frecpient  this  cafe.  It  is  also  patronized  by  the  better  class  of 
prostitutes.  They  gather  here  in  the  afternoon  in  quest  of 
a “live”  one  to  take  home  or  who  is  at  least  willing  to  spend 
money  freely  with  them.  On  this  visit,  as  on  other  occasions, 
I found  very  young  girls,  apparently  not  over  15  or  16  years 
of  age.  sitting  in  the  palm  garden.  Some  were  served  lemon- 
ade, while  others  had  large  glasses  of  beer  before  them.  One 

young  girl  down  to  the  city  from  became  very 

ill  from  intoxication  and  Avas  helped  to  the  ladies’  Avash  room 
beloAv.  Stimulants  Avere  given  her  to  brace  her  up  so  she 
could  be  taken  home. 

Conditions  in  other  cities  may  be  indicated  by  the  folloAving  ex- 
tract from  the  Massachusetts  Report. 

Massachusetts  Vice  Commission  Report,  page  14.  “A  dis- 
orderly cafe,  saloon  or  restaurant  is  a place  Avhich  kuoAvn 
prostitutes  habitually  frequent  for  the  purpose  of  attracting 
the  attention  of  prospeetiAm  customers  or  actually  soliciting 
for  immoral  purposes.  Indeed,  in  the  larger  cities  of  Massa- 
chusetts the  most  flagrant  and  open  expression  of  the  commer- 
cialized aspect  of  prostitution  is  in  connection  Avith  certain 
cafes  and  saloons.  Men  flock  to  these  places  at  the  dinner 
hour  or  later  at  night  to  appraise  the  women  and  decide  which 
one  they  Avill  select.  After  the  bargain  is  made,  the  couples  go 
to  a room  in  some  apartment,  lodging  house,  or  hotel. 
These  immoral  cafes  and  saloons  are  also  the  faA'orite  re- 
sort of  pimps  and  procurers,  well  knoAA'u  thieA'es,  pickpockets 
and  ex-criminals.  These  places  are  knoAAm  to  be  A’ery  profit- 
able from  the  commercial  point  of  aucav.  The  reason  of  their 
existence  is  the  profit  from  the  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors  to 
file  jirospeetiA-e  customers  of  the  prostitutes.  The  presence  of 
these  Avomen  stiimdates  the  business  and  the  proprietors  knoAV 
it  and  encourage  them  to  remain.  The  co-called  re- 


Beport  op  ti-ie  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


57 


spectable  lueu  of  the  community  who  conduct  hotels, 
cafes  and  saloons  where  well-known  prostitues  resort 
for  business  purposes  would  protest  if  they  were  branded  as 
traffickers  in  women,  yet  these  individuals  actually  come  un- 
der this  heading  with  the  pimps  and  procurers  and  the  man- 
agers of  the  house  of  prostitution.  The  police  take  the  position 
that  they  have  no  riglit  to  interfere,  if  the  letter  of  the  lavt  is 
observed.  These  restaurants  are  also  the  meeting  places  of 
young  white  men  and  immoral  girls  who  have  not  yet  become 
prostitutes.  Private  booths  in  these  restaurants  are  curtained 
and  couples  may  enter  and  draw  the  curtains  together  with 
the  understanding  that  the  waiter  is  not  to  open  the  curtains 
until  he  is  told  to  do  so  by  the  occupants.  Young  girls  often 
become  intoxicated  in  these  places.  Some  Chinese  restaurants 
have  rooms  upstairs  which  they  rent  to  couples  for  immoral 
purposes.”  , . : i,, 


Immoral  Restaurants  and  Capes. 

In  some  cities  of  the  state,  it  has  been  found  that  some  restaur- 
ants are  so  conducted  as  to  permit  seclusion  on  the  part  of  couples 
who  are  desirous  of  indulging  in  immoral  practices.  This  is  es- 
pecially true  oCthe  majority  of  the  so-called  “chop  suey  ” or  Chi- 
nese restaurants.  Inclosed  apartments  are  provided  where  li- 
quor is  served  from  an  adjoining  saloon.  These  places  are  cus- 
tomarily kept  open  until  very  late  hours,  and  are  commonly  fre- 
quented by  professional  prostitutes  and  pimps.  Furthermore 
they  serve  as  convenient  meeting  places  for  those  who  are  as  yet 
ashamed  to  enter  wine  rooms  and  saloons.  The  immorality  of 
these  resorts  is  very  contagious,  and  they  furnish  a point  of  con- 
tact with  the  most  common  purveyors  of  moral  contamination  and 
physical  disease.  The  appearance  of  innocence  which  many  such 
resorts  assume  is  a strong  factor  in  leading  inexperienced  young 
people  to  enter,  and  thus  they  are  thrown  into  the  grave  danger 
of  meeting  with  the  strongest  sexual  temptations.  The  evidence 
of  the  investigators  of  this  committee  which  follows  this  para- 
graph indicates  how  immoral  and  dangerous  are  the  conditions 
and  practices  carried  on  in  these  resorts. 

City  No.  47.  WXI.  Chinese  restaurant  located  on  first 
floor.  WX  1 is  tlie  proprietor.  This  is  a chop  suey  and  Amer- 
ican restaurant.  Thfi_Dl.a.Q.e  is  plainly  furnished.  At  the  front 
is  a lunch  counter,  and  at  one  side,  is  a table  running  back 
nearly  half  way  from  the  front.  Further  back  are  three  stalls 


58 


Eeport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


with  curtains.  Two  are  private  dining  booths.  The  other  pro- 
tects a trap  door  entrance  to  the  sleeping  apartment  of  WX  1 
in  the  cellar.  On  the  opposite  side  are  more  tables,  partly  pro- 
tected from  view  by  a signboard  and  by  a projection  in  the 
wall  in  front.  The  kitchen  is  in  the  rear.  This  place  is  open 
from  7 :00  A.  M.  to  2 A.  M.  It  is  of  a bad  character.  Thvo 
white  girls  are  waitresses  and'solicit  patrons  of  the  place  and 

others  passing  and  take  them  to  the  hotel upstairs. 

On  cool  nights,  two  or  three  girls  can  be  found  loitering  here 
instead  of  in  the  street  in  the  vicinity  of  this  hotel.  As  soon 
as  a man  is  procured,  they  walk  boldly  out  of  the  restaurant 
and  upstairs  without  interference.  At  almost  any  time  while 
the  place  is  open,  two  girls  are  there,  and  if  one  secures  a cus- 
tomer to  go  upstairs,  the  other  tends  to  the  work 

says  that  no  white  girl  can  Avork  there  unless  she  is  on  in- 
timate terms  ivith  the  proprietor.  Their  actions  and  conver- 
sation bear  this  out.  The  iiroprietor  is  still  selling  beer  at  15 
cents  a bottle,  though  about  tivo  weeks  ago  he  Avas  arrested 
for  doing  so. 

City  No.  56.  MX  22.  . . .- restaurant,  corner  of 

and streets.  AIIoavs  Avomen  to  drink,  and  while 

I Avas  there  I saAv  a number  of  Avomen,  as  Avell  as  men  AA^ho 
Avere  intoxicated.  Men  and  girls  Avere  allowed  to  act  inde- 
cent]3^  No  rooms  in  connection  Avith  it,  but  it  is  a bad  place. 

About  the  same  condition  exists  at  the restaurant 

on street.  I saAV  tAvo  couples  come  out  of  the 

restaurant,  all  staggering  and  apparently  much 

intoxicated.  Girls  appeared  to  be  under  20  years  of  age.  I 
have  seen  Avomen  in  this  place  so  drunk  that  they  Avere  unable 
to  talk,  and  they  Avere  practically  helpless.  This  all  goes  on 
with  the  knoAvledge  of  the  proprietor,  as  he  Avas  in  and  out  of 
the  cafe  room  every  little  Avhile,  Avhile  this  Avas  going  on.  I 
saAv  fifteen  Avomen  and  eighteen  men  in  this  place  at  one  time. 
Tliis  Avas  about  midnight.  No  drinks  are  served  in  here  after 
12  o’clock  midnight. 

City  No.  56.  MX  24.  I Avas  at  this  restaurant  Avith 

and and We  had  a round  of  beer, 

each  of  us  having  a pint  bottle  and  then  called  for  a lunch 
and  more  beer.  We  Avere  seiwed  but  a short  time,  when  the 

proprietor  came  out  and  took  the  beer  away  from 

and  said  he  Avoidd  not  sell  beer  to  him.  He  gaA’e  as  the  rea- 
son the  fact  that had  that  day  appeared  in  court 

in  a certain  ease  against  saloons  AAdiere  liquor  was  sold  to  mi- 
nors. The  proprietor  told  me  he  thought  he  recognized 
as  soon  as  he  came  in,  but  was  not  sure  of  it. 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee, 


59 


It  appears  the  proprietor  does  not  object  to  serving  to 

because  of  liis  age,  but  because  he  appeared  in  court  in  the 
case  above  nientionad.  There  were  two  couples  and  about  ten 
men  here,  all  drinking,  when  he  was  present.  The  proprietor 
himself  was  drunk,  and  the  next  morning  boasted  about  it  to  me 
in  the  barroom  downstairs.  The  young  Avoman  who  served  us 
with  beer  in  this  place  Avas  under  age.  Appears  to  be  about 

17  years  old.  The  proprietor  said  to  me,  ‘ ‘ That  little 

Avill  go  up  to  court  toniorroAv  morning  and  take  iny  license 
aAvay,  ” according  to 

City  No.  66.  WX.  Cafe,  restaurant  and  lunch  coun- 
ter in  front.  Six  enclosed. booths  in  the  rear  in  which  liquors 

; are  served.  Has  inside  connection  Avith  saloon 

I next  door.  The  place  is  a sporting  resort.  Upstairs  Mrs. 

I supplies  her  guests  Avith  rooms  that  are  also  let 

: to  couples  for  assignation  puiqioses.  Four  women  in  tAvo  shifts 
"^daily  are  employed  here  as  a blind.  They  are  really  inmates 
of  the  resort.  More  attention  is  giAmn  to  sporting  than  to  the 
restaurant  business.  The  girls  are  out!  money  and 

boast  of  getting  theirs  by  beating  the  “Polanders,”  as  they 

call  the  family,  out  of  room  rent  by  turning 

“tricks”  in  the  booths.  All  sorts  of  bad  actions  betAveen  sexes 
can  be  seen  and  vile  language  heard  most  any  time.  This 
place  is  Avell  knoAvn  as  a sporting  resort,  and  is  not  thought  of 
by  anyone  as  a legitimate  restaurant  business. 

City  No.  60,  WX , proprietor.  Restaurant 

and  lunch  counter  in  front.  Four  enclosed  booths ThTThe  rear, 

in  Avhieli Tieer  is  sold  in  quart  bottles  only.^  Price  50 

cents.  Also  other  liquors.  Place  is  not  connected  AAuth  saloon. 
Has  no  license.  Has_  inside  connection  Avith  tAvo  story  brick 

_i*esidence  AAdiieh  is  a sporting  resort.  It  is  being  run  by 

and  his  inistress.  The  Avaitresses  around  this  cafe  are  the  in- 
mates. They  solicit  men  patrons  of  the  restaurant.  Pay  $1.00 
for  the  room,  and  get  all  they  can  for  themselves.  This  resort 
is  on  the  principal  business  street  of  the  toAvn,  and  is  being 
run  Avide  open.  The  OAAuier  of  the  property  resides  upstairs 

over  the  cafe.  It  is  common  knoAAdedge  that  Mr 

is  living  Avith  this  Avoman,  and  is  not  married  to  her.  The 
place  is  open  from  early  morning  until  midnight,  and  has  tAvo 
shifts  of  girls. 

City  No.  60.  WX . . .,  proprietor.  The  place  is  a dirty 

common  class  restaurant.  vServe  regular  dinner,  also  short 
"Ord^i  HaUa  feAv  regular  boarders.  Upstairs  he  lets  rooms 
to  couples  for  assignation  purposes,  price  $1.00.  On  account 
of  This  class  of  business,  the  place  has  a Fad  name.  - The  wait- 


60 


HePORT  OS’  TI-IE  WlSCO^TSlN  ViCE  COMMITTEE. 


ress  in  the  restaurant  makes  dates  with  men  patrons  of  the 

place tells  me  that  they  always  have  a bad 

class  of  help  here,  as  they  can  get  no  other. 

City  No.  47.  MXJ , waitress  from 

said  she  had  been  at  this  restaurant  for  two  months.  Gets 
$4.00  a week  and  board,  and  pays  $1.50  for  room  at  the  rear 
upstairs  in  the  MX  1 hotel.  When  questioned  about  how  she 
makes  a living,  she  said,  “Of  course,  I go  to  my  room  with 
men,  or  I could  not  live.”  Said  further  she  would  be  my 
friend,  if  I would  come  back  to  the  city — that  there  were  a 
number  of  girls  rooming  upstairs  and  that  they  were  poor 
working  girls  and  were  compelled  to  hustle  on  the  side.  One 
was  15  years  old  and  worked  in  the  restaurant  adjoining  the 
saloon. 

Saloons  and  Wine  Rooms  With  Bedrooms  Attached. 

The  committee  has  found  one  of  the  most  dangerous  conditions 
to  be  the  wine  rooms  and  saloons  which  maintain  bedrooms  in 
connection.  These  rooms  are  sometimes  rear  rooms,  or  rooms  on 
the  second  floor  over  the  saloon  with  a stairway  leading  fromThe- 
bar.  This  direct  access  from  the  saloon  or  wine  room  greatljMa- 
cilitates  operations.  It  is  very  convenient  for  a prostitute  solic- 
iting in  the  barrooms  to  take  a customer  directly  to  a place  where 
immoral  acts  may  occur.  It  is  equally  convenient  for  a man  to 
take  an  intoxicated  girl  to  this  secluded  room  where  he  can  have 
his  way  with  her.  The  fact  that  such  equipment  makes  the  opera- 
tions in  connection  with  the  saloon  more  secluded  and  difficult  to 
watch  is  an  added  menace.  The  immoral  women  who  frequent 
these  places  and  are  on  intimate  terms  with  the  proprietors  find 
it  very  easy  to  induce  men  avIio  have  been  drinking  heavily  to  go 
with  them  to  the  bedrooms.  All  of  these  acts  may  take  place  ivith- 
out  stepping  into  the  street  and  Avithout  attracting  the  attention 
of  the  police  aa'Iio  may  liaA^e  the  place  under  observation.  Such 
saloons  are  very  frequently  provided  with  side  entrances  which 
makes  it  possible  for  the  prostitute  to  enter  unobsei’A’ed. 

There  should  be  some  state  regulation  of  this  matter.  A stat- 
ute providing  that  no  rooms  may  be  maintained  in  connection 
Avith  the  saloon  or  Avine  room  Avoiild  be  of  much  assistance  in  en- 
forcing the  laAv.  A further  provision  to  forbid  side  entrances 
and  entrances  from  the  inside  of  the  saloon  to  rooms  OA'erbead 
would  be  an  additional  safeguard.  (See  recommendations) 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


61 


The  evidence  given  by  the  committee’s  investigators  indicates 
the  serious  conditions  which  exist  in  many  of  the  cities  of  Wis- 
consin in  connection  with  wine  rooms  and  saloons  with  bedrooms 
attached.  The  following  are  typical  cases: 

City  No.  47.  WXBB.  Located  in  the  neighborhood  of  the 
sporting  flats.  Has  a cafe_but  no  music.  Two  unescorted 
Avomen  Avere  in  the  rear  room.  Assignation  rooms  located  over 
the  saloon.  The  proprietor  solicited  the  investigator  to  go  to 

roadhouse.  A man  in  the  rear  room  Avas  solicited  by 

the  tAvo  girls.  He  sat  and  drank  AAuth  them  and  AVXBB  Avho 
served  the  drinks,  came  back  and  talked.  He  then  suggested 

that  all  go  out  to ’s  place  and  told  the  man  to  take 

the  tAvo  girls  and  a man  friend  in  his  machine  that  Avas  stand- 
ing outside.  He  then  said  to  me,  “Come,  go  Avith  me  out  to 

’s.  AVait  till  11  o’clock  and  I Avill  get  a rig  and 

Ave  Avill  go  out  there  and  haA^e  a of  a time,  and  if  you 

haven’t  a SAveetheart,  I Avant  you  to  be  my  girl”  (The  inves- 


tigator Avas  a Avoman.)  Tavo  girls  present,  and 

, are  the  employees  of  hotel,  but 


solicit  men  at  night  and  are  indignant  if  one  suggests  that 
they  go  Avith  men  for  money.  Instead  they  go  out  for  a good 
time.  They  live  upstairs  in  a flat  provided  for  the  female  em- 
ployes of  the hotel  by  the  proprietor.  These  girls 

are  bad  and  haA^e  turned  their  private  apartment  into  an  as- 
signation resort.  The  girls  from  upstairs  are  using  the  back 
stairs  and  their  alley  entrance  constantly  Avhile  plying  their 
trade  on  the  streets  at  night. 

City  No  59.  WX  25.  Saloon  and  cafe  doAvnstairs  are 
separated  by  a halhvay  leading  upstairs  to  assignation 
rooms.  Three  girl  Avaitresses  in  cafe  act  as  inmates  and  solicit 
men  patrons  price  .1?3.00.  Three  street  walkers  use  this  place 
end  are  charged  fifty  cents  for  their  room  Avith  a man,  and 
live  in  the  hotel. 

City  102.  WX7. Occupies  a tAvo  story  building  in  Avhich  a 

saloon,  Avineroom,  and  dining  rooms  are  on  the  first  floor.  Up- 
stairs are  neatly  furnished  rooms  AAdiich  are  let  to  couples  for 
assignation  purposes.  Price  is  $1.50.  Entrance  to  the  rooms 
is  by  the  Avine  room  by  means  of  a staircase.  There  are  a feAv 
traveling  men  Avho  occasionally  stop  here.  There  is  an  electric 
piano  in  the  barroom  Avhich  furnishes  entertainment  in  the 
Avine  room  if  desired.  The  door  betAveen  is  open  at  ail  times. 
Tavo  Avaitresses  do  the  upstairs  Avork  and  also  Avork  in  the 

dining  room.  At  one  time  freely  stated  that 

she  goes  out  Avith  felloAvs.  Says  she  meets  some  very  good 


62 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


ones  who  are  there  for  meals  and  makes  dates  with  them.  Fur- 
ther says  that  the  girls  like  to  get  a room  here  with  fellows 
because  it  is  a quiet  place  and  they  don’t  have  to  register. 

WX  16.  The  place  is  a one  story  building  in  which  is’  a 
large  barroom  and  other  rooms  built  on,  which  is  divided  into — - 

a wine  room  ip  front  and  has  a stairAvay  between  it  and~dtpr- 

saloon.  At  the  rear  is  a dining  room  separated  from  the  wine- 
room  by  a partition  halfway  up.  Door  between.  From  the 
dining  room  a door  opens  into  the  kitchen,  a room  built  on  to 
the  others.  Through  it  is  a door  leading  into  a two  story  frame 
dAvelling  house.  Here  rooms  are  let  to  couples  for  assignation 
purposes,  price  $1.00.  WX17  and  another  girl  friend  of  hers 
make  this  their  headquarters.  They  solicit  men  from  the 
saloon,  if  they  haven’t  felloAvs  with  them  or  have  a desire  to 
meet  someone  here.  They  then  take  them  to  the  rooms  men- 
tioned. Usually  the  fellows  use  the  saloon  entrance  and  the 
girls  that  of  the  house  or  Avine  room. 

WX  22.  This  place  has  a plainly  furnished  barroom,  also 
a dining  room  at  the  rear  on  the  first  floor!  Has  insidelion- 
nections  Avith  plainly  fiirnishedTWms'OTrtlie  second  flocr,  some 
of  Avhich  are  occupied  by  the  family.  Others  are  let  to  couples 
for  assignation  purposes,  price  $1.00.  WX  19  in  telling  the 
investigator  Avhere  some  of  the  best  places  are  to  take  a friend 
to  make  the  best  of  moneA',  said  she  had  often  been  accommo- 
dated here.  Though  she  liA'es  in  this  A’icinity,  and  is  a single 
Avoman.  Avas  not  refused  accommodation.  At  first  she  thought 
she  might  be  refused,  hut  Avas  not.  WX  19  is  a notoriously 
had  character  knoAvn  to  almost  eAmryhody  in  town. 

WX  23.  On  the  first  floor,  front,  is  a plainly  furnished  bar- 
room AAutli  Inside  connectioiis  from  the  hall  to  the  rear  Avith 
'twcT  winerooms  Avhich  the  hall  separates,  and  on  the  second 
floOT  axa-plainly  furnished  rooms  that  are  let  for  assignation 
purposes.  Saloon  has  inside  connections  Avith  those  ahoA-e 
by  means  of  a door  at  the  end  of  the  bar  at_  the  rear  of  the 
room  Avhich  opens  into  a lmll_at  theJpiiLof  tlie-atairs  leading 
UTP  and  also  ffonT  the~r^r  of  the  building  tliyough  the  wine- 
'H)onr~on~the  Avest~ side  of  TUe  hallAvay  and  the  ladiesT  toilet 
indo  a small  hall,  at  the  foot  of  the  back  stairs.  Roc  ms  are 
TeH  to  couples  for  $1.00  each.  The  place  is  open  all  night. 

This  seems  to  be  its  only  class  of  trade  upstairs.  Very  young 
girls  Avith  men  are  accommodated  here.  By  common  reputa- 
tion, it  is  a tough  sporting  resort.  At  10  ;00  P.  M.  iuA’esti- 
gator  saAv  three  girls  apparently  16  years  old  Avith  men  in 
this  resort,  having  entered  from  the  rear,  each  seemingly 


Repokt  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


63 


dodging  the  other  and  walking  in  the  shadow  to  avoid  being 
soon. 

WX  37.  On  the  first  floor,  front,  is  a large  barroom.  In  th3 
rear  is  a wine  room,  two  tables  and  a piano.  The  place  has 

inside  connections  with  the  rooms  above,  some~~dfWykich  are 

let  for  assignation  purposes  at  $1.00  each.  Here  also  the  fam- 
ily Avith  small  children  resides.  and  Miss and 


Miss  claim  that  is  their  favorite  place  to  get  rooms 

AAdth  friends.  . ' j ' I 

I 


In  regard  to  City  No.  102  A\dth  less  than  10,000  inhabitants, 
and  over  50  saloons,  investigator  states ; 

“Nearly  all  the  saloons  have  Avine  rooms  attached,’ 
and  lnany~~~of'~~tlrese  also  -iTave'" inside  connections  'witli 
rooms  above,  Avhich  are  let  for  assignation  purposes.  A num- 
ber  of  girls,  AAdiose  parents  reside  in  toAvn,  and  Avho  live  at 
home,  make  such  resorts  their  headquarters  afteimoons  and 
nights.  This  is  the  AAmrst  small  toAvn  I have  ever  visited. 
Most  of  the  girls  of  AAmrking  age  are  employed,  but  live  at 
home,  in  spite  of  Avhich  they  go  out  Avith  men  and  often  get 
home  the  next  morning  in  time  to  go  back  to  Avork.  Even 
girls  in  short  dresses,  schoolgirls,  make  dates  Avith  boys  and 
men,  accompany  them  to  Avine  rooms  Avhere  they  drink  beer 
and  other  liquors,  and  then  go  to  any  of  the  many  assignation 
houses.  The  boys  are  just  as  bad.  Though  under  age,  the’ly 
are  sold  liquor  by  tbe  saloons.  They  run  around  with  the 
girls  and  are  seen  in  their  company  intoxicated  in  Avine  rooms. 
Venereal  diseases  are  spread  pretty  thoroughly  among  the 
boys  and  men.” 

Dance  Halls. 

Investigation  sIioaa^s  that  one  of  the  greatest  attractions  for 
young  people  is  the  dance.  In  many  places  the  charge  for  the 
same  is  only  five  cents,  and  boys  and  girls  seek  this  pastime.  To 
protect  females,  under  seventeen  years  of  age,  from  the  use 
of  intoxicating  drink,  the  legislature  passed  Section  1557a, 
Avhich  provides : 

“Any  keeper  of  any  saloon,  shop  or  place  of  any  name  AA'^hat- 
soeAmr  for  the  sale  of  any  strong,  spirituous  or  malt  liquors  to 
be  drank  on  the  premises  in  any  quantity  less  than  one  gal- 
lon, Avho  shall  permit  or  alloAV  any  girl  or  young  Avoman,  un- 
der the  age  of  seventeen  years,  unaccompanied  by  her  father 
or  mother,  to  be  present  at  or  participate  in  any  ball  or  dance 
held  in  such  saloon,  shop  or  place,  or  in  the  same  or  an  ad-" 
joining  building,  shop  or  place,  or  in  any  place  Avhere  liquors 


64 


Report  of  tpie  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


are  sold  or  dispensed,  or  any  place  adjoining  the  same,  under 
his  license,  or  who  shall  permit  or  allow  any  such  girl  or 
young  woman  to  linger  in  or  frequent  such  saloon,  shop  or 
place,  shall  he  punished  by  a fine  of  not  less  than  fifty  dollars 
nor  more  than  one  hundred  dollars,  or  by  imprisonment  in  the 
county  jail  not  to  exceed  six  months,  or  by  both  such  fine  and 
imprisonment.  And  upon  conviction,  his  license  shall  he  re- 
voked as  is  provided  in  Section  1558  of  the  said  sta'iutes,  and 
proof  of  such  conviction  shall  be  conclusive  proof  that  such 
keeper  maintains  a disorderly  and  improper  house  as  such 
terms  are  used  in  said  Section  1558.” 

The  committee  finds  that  this  law  is  being  violated  in  many 
cities  and  liquor  is  being  sold  in  connection  with  dances  without 
regard 'to  the  age  of  females.  The  testimony  before  this  com- 
mittee shows  that  the  selling  of  liquor  in  connection  with  dances 
is  one  of  the  most  prolific  sources  of  immorality.  Also  it  is  ap- 
parent that  dances  are  being  held  in  halls  by  private  organiza- 
tions, where  all  the  family  are  permitted  to  attend,  and  that  li- 
quors are  frequently  sold  at  such  times  in  violation  of  Section 
1557,  which  forbids  the  sale  of  liquor  to  minors.  The  habit  so 
formed  frequently  leads  to  attendance  at  general  public  dances 
which  are  often  attended  by  immoral  people.  ]\Iany  respectable 
girls  innocently  attend  these  dances  to  satisfy  their  social  desires 
and  obtain  some  of  the  pleasures  of  life.  Objectionable  and  im- 
moral dances  and  indecent  behavior  are  allowed.  Some  places 
are  noted  as  places  where  one  may  get  a girl  or  woman  at  any 
time  for  purposes  of  prostitution. 

Some  of  the  proprietors  of  dance  halls  testified  that  one  of  the 
greatest  causes  of  immorality  growing  out  of  the  dance  was  not 
the  dance  itself,  but  the  pass  system  by  which  couples  are  per- 
mitted to  pass  out  and  leave  the  dance  hall  for  drink  or  other 
purposes  and  to  be  again  admitted  free. 

(Minneapolis  Vice  Commission  Report).  ‘AVe  are  pre- 
l^ared  to  state  our  conviction  that  among  the  causes  above 
named,  the  public  dance  hall  is  a conspicuous  factor.  Tlie 
public  dance  hall,  your  commission  believe,  and  speak  ad- 
visedly, is  one  of  the  most  demoralizing  social  infiuences  pres- 
ent in  the  modern  city,  directly  or  indirectly  leading  to  the 
downfall  of  more  girls,  than  any  other  one  agency.  While 
outwardly  decorous,  these  places,  through  their  broad  oppor- 
tunities for  the  mingling  of  the  sexes  without  adequate  dis- 
crimination as  to  age  and  character,  and  without  hoine  or 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


65 


neighborhood  surveillance,  constitute  a most  dangerous  men- 
ace to  the  social  welfare.” 

Reports  op  Investigators. 

City  No.  26.  NWX.  Visited hall  on  Friday  and 

Saturday  nights  and  report  the  dancing  is  outrageous.  The 
dancers  dance  the  tango  and  hesitation  waltz  in  as  extreme  a 
manner  as  possible.  This  dance  when  danced  extremely  is 
enough  to  arouse  the  passions  of  anyone.  People  do  not  need 
to  know  each  other  in  order  to  ask  for  a dance,  for  the  fellow 
goes  right  up  to  the  girl  and  asks  her  to  dance,  Avhether  he 
knows  her  or  not.  Investigator  was  asked  by  three  different 
fellows  to  go  with  them.  The  other  investigator  was  asked 
by  two  girls  where  he  roomed  and  when  he  told  them  they 
said  they  would  go  up  and  have  a game  of  cards  there  before 
they  went  away. 

City  No.  88.  WX Hall.  Dance  held  here  each  Sat- 

urday night.  Hall  usually  let  to  society  or  group  for  the  night. 
Dances  given  are  public ; fifteen  cents  admission  is  charged  the 
ladies;  gents  twenty-five  to  thirty-five  cents.  Place  is  a large 
frame  building.  On  the  first  floor  is  the  entrance  of  the  hall. 
To  the  left  is  a large  bar  which  with  the  large  dance  hall 
takes  up  this  floor.  At  the  rear,  down  a short  flight  of  stairs, 
is  another  bar.  All  the  girls  are  going  to  and  from  the  bar  and 
the  dance  hall.  After  all  begin  drinking,  they  drink  after 
each  dance.  They  dance  the  most  violent  interpretation  of 
the  tango,  a great  many  seeming  to  try  and  outdo  each  other 
in  vulgar  dancing.  There  was  a very  large  crowd  present, — 
both  sexes, — principally  girls  and  Avomen.  There  were  about 
twenty-five  girls  present  under  fifteen  years  old.  The  pro- 
prietor in  conversation  stated  that  those  who  give  affairs 
were  expected  to  make  their,  money  off  the  bar,  so  they 
usually  only  charge  fifteen  cents  admission.  At  these  affairs, 
which  are  termed,  “Drunken  carousals”,  there  is  no  discrimi- 
nation as  to  age  in  selling  liquor,  so  young  girls  and  fellows 
often  vie  with  each  other  to  see  who  can  drink  the  most.  They 
dance  in  the  most  vulgar  manner — scenes  at  such  affairs  are 
unbelievable;  they  are  so  Ioav  they  are  past  description. 

City  No.  41.  Judge  reports  that  a couple  of  the 

dance  halls  are  very  bad.  It  is  bad  for  the  girls  to  associate 
with  the  young  men  who  come  there,  and  they  feel  in  these 
halls  that  the  young  fellows  can  do  and  say  anything  they 
please  which  could  not  be  done  in  other  places. 

, the  leading  Avoman  of  the  city,  referring  to  one 


6— v.  o. 


66 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


of  the  halls  here,  describes  it  as  being  one  of  the  bad  ones 
in  the  city,  and  states  that  one  of  the  leading  men  of  the  city, 
whose  brother  is  now  running  for  office,  ivas  at  a dance  held 
in  this  hall  last  week  and  has  evidence  that  in  the  small  hours 
of  the  morning,  girls  ivere  so  drunk  that  the  men  did  anything 
they  wanted  to  with  them  but  lay  them  out  on  the  floor. 

City  No.  32.  Went  to  Saturday  night  dance  that  had  been 

held  at  hall,  corner  of  Street.  Found  the  place 

closed  and  in  darkness.  During  that  time  noted  forty  girls 
between  fourteen  and  seventeen  years  of  age  who  came  to  the 
hall,  some  apparently  bad  girls,  others  quiet  in  manner.  Boys 
came  in  bunches.  Most  of  them  were  of  the  pool-room  ty])e. 
No  one  seemed  to  know  why  the  dance  was  not  being  held. 
Many  waited  a good  while  hoping  the  hall  would  open.  From 
a talk  with  the  man  in  charge  of  the  store  across  the  street, 
I learned  that  this  is  a rough-neck  dance, — no  decent  girl  at- 
tends them.  Say  there  is  no  bar  in  the  hall,  but  they  go  to  the 

nearby saloon  for  liquor.  Also  says  that  he  thinks 

that  the  protests  of  the  pastors  of  the  city  churches  have  at 
last  caused  the  holders  to  close  it.  Said  there  had  been  con- 
siderable talk  of  closing  it  on  account  of  its  bad  character 
and  because  there  Avere  so  many  girls  attending,  and  that 
everything  was  danced  there — that  is,  bear  dances,  tango  and 
others  in  their  most  violent  form. 

City  No.  32.  Page  223.  Operative  asked what 

had  become  of  the  Aviue  room  that  used  to  be  in  operation  at 
the  dance  hall.  lie  replied  that  they  had  closed  up  the  wine 
room,  because  several  saloon  keepei’s  had  recently  lost  their 
licenses.  luA^estigator  saAv  no  one  drinking  in  the  hall,  but 
after  each  dance,  some  of  the  couples  Avonld  go  doAvnstairs. 
AAdiere  drinkes  Avere  serA^ed,  but'  operatiA’e  saw  no  bar.  or  liquor 
sei’A'-ed  to  any  young  girls,  but  did  see  young  men  aa'Iio  were 
apparently  under  legal  age  seiwed  Avith  liquor.  He  reports 
that  during  the  intermission  betAveen  dances,  the  conduct  of 
several  young  girls  Avas  free  and  easy.  ScA^eral  had  the  habit 
of  crossing  their  legs  in  such  a manner  as  to  expose  them- 
selves in  an  indecent  manner.  The  manager  offered  to  intro- 
duce the  investigator  to  some  of  the  young  girls.  lie  made  a 
number  of  obscene  remarks  regarding  the  character  of  some 
girls  in  attendance  at  the  dance  and  aclA’ised  the  iiiA'estigator 
as  to  Avhieh  of  the  girls  he  could  haA'e  imnroner  relations 
AAuth,  if  he  desired.  IiiAmstigator  then  AA’ent  to  hall  located  just 
outside  of  the  citv  limits.  This  place.  hiA’estigator  found  had 
about  forty  couples  engatred  in  dancing.  About  one-half  of 
them  Avere  young  girls  and  boys.  At  this  place  beer  and  other 
b'quor  Avas  sold  to  the  young  people  aa’Iio  Avanted  to  drink 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


67 


ai'ter  each  dance,  and  everyone  who  wanted  to  drink  was 
supplied  with  liipior  called  for.  No  questions  were  raised  and 
investigator  saw  drinks  served  to  a number  of  boys  and  girls 
who  Avere  under  legal  age.  While  attending  this  dance,  inves- 
tigator made  investigations  in  the  vicinity  of  the  hall  and 
outside  of  the  building  foiuid  a number  of  couples  lying  on 
the  grass  under  the  trees  and  in  dark  corners.  When  he  left 
the  hall  and  walked  to  the  city,  he  passed  six  couples  Avho 
Avere  lying  on  the  grass  near  the  dance  hall. 

A Typical  Case. 

The  story  of  a certain  ignorant  girl  Avho  Avas  seduced  and  vio- 
lated by  a man  Avhom  she  met  at  a luihlie  dance  hall  is  so  typical 
that  it  must  he  included  here  practically  in  full.  The  ease  Avas 
brought  before  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  state,  for  breach  of 
promise  and  seduction.  Extracts  from  the  case  are  given  be- 
low. . 

The  ease  Avith  which  an  ignorant,  perhaps  feeble-minded  girl 
falls  prey  to  the  designs  of  a skilled  seducer,  especially  AAdien  she 
has  had  a few  drinks,  is  startling.  She  is  practically  defenceless. 
In  the  folloAving  story  it  should  be  noted  that  the  girl  had  been 
drinking,  that  she  regularly  frecpiented  an  immoral  dance  hall, 
and  that  she  Avas  taken  to  an  assignation  resort.  The  girl  can 
lay  the  blame  for  her  doAvnfall  squarely  at  the  door  of  a negli- 
gent community  of  this  state.  Neither  she  nor  the  young  man 
Avas  the  principally  responsible  party.  The  lax,  careless,  negli- 
gent group  of  society  AA’hich  permits  such  conditions  is  responsible. 
We  all  share  the  shame  of  this  monstrous,  criminal,  unrighteous 
practice. 

vs 157  Wis.,  131,  1914 

Direct  Testimony. 

Action  of  breach  of  promise  of  marriage.  “My  name 

is  Elsie  I had  been  seventeen  on  the  17th 

of  April,  1912.  I met  the  defendant  at  dances ; some- 
times tAvice  a month.  I met  him  on  the  evening  of  May 
llth  at  Heintz’s  on  37th  and  Lapham  Street.  The  dance  Avas 

going  on.  I met  that  evening  there.  I danced 

there.  He  bought  me  drinks,  cherry  and  beer,  and  I took  the 
drinks  and  he  asked  me  to  go  to  a lunch  room.  I took  the 
drinks.  He  bought  tAvo  glasses  of  beer  for  me.  That  is  all. 
He  bought  tAvo  cherry  phosphates.  I remained  out  of  the 
dance  hall  until  about  ten  after  eleven.  Then  he  went  to  take 


68  Report  oe  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

iTie  to  a lunch  room,  and  he  took  me  to  a different  place  and 
he  told  me  that  he  was  going  to  take  me  to  a lunch  room  t'' 
buy  me  some  lunch  and  I went.  He  took  me  to  a room.  T 
do  not  remember  where  I got  off  the  car.  The  place  where 
this  house  is  located  I do  not  know.  We  went  to  a side  en- 
trance. He  did  not  say  anything  about  the  place  until  he 
took  me  to  the  room  where  a bed  and  two  dressers  were.  He 
said  he  wanted  to  marry  me  and  I would  have  to  he  there  once 
anyhow  before  he  would  take  me.  Before  that  he  locked  the 
door.  I don’t  know  what  he  did  with  the  keys,  hut  I turned 
around  and  did  not  see  no  keys  in  the  door.  I stayed  with  him 
in  that  room  until  about  quarter  of  nine  in  the  morning.  After 
that  I was  hroueht  in  the  family  way.  He  offered  me  $300.00 
because  he  could  not  marry  me  because  his  father  would  not 
have  if.  I suffered  a miscarriage  on  the  9th  of  September. 
This  miscarriage  was  brought  about  because  he  scared  me  that 
he  wanted  to  take  me  to  the  doctor,  and  I thought  sure  he 
would  take  me  to  the  doctor  like  on  Saturday  night  (to  the 
hotel  for  immoral  purposes). 

Cross  Examination. 

Prior  to  this  time  when  I was  at  the  bedroom  with  him,  I 
was  Avorking  at  the  lace  paper  company  receiving  $5.25  per 
week.  My  money  I gave  to  my  parents.  I Avas  living  at 
home  then.  The  night  of  May  11th,  1912,  was  not  the  only 
time  this  man  performed  immoral  acts  with  me.  About  the 
17th  of  August  he  had  it  with  me  again.  At  that  time  he  knew 
I was  in  the  family  Avay  and  in  a pregnant  condition.  They 
had  dances  at  the  saloon.  I went  to  dances  there  at  that 
place  every  time  they  had  a dance,  almost.  That  was  about 
tAvice  a month.  The  dances  were  held  in  the  dance  hall  next 
to  the  saloon.  There  Avas  two  doors  leading  from  the  dance 
hall  into  the  saloon,  and  then  you  could  go  out  the  rear  and 
come  in  the  back  Avay  to  the  saloon  and  the  front  way.  about 
six  different  ways.  Through  the  back  door  you  could  go  in- 
to the  wine  room.  It  Avas  furnished  Avith  tables  and  chairs. 
They  had  about  six  tables  in  there.  From  the  door  in  front  of 
the  danne  room  you  Avent  direct  in  the  saloon,  and  from  the 
door  of  the  rear  in  the  dance  room  you  walked  in  the  wine  room. 
I had  been  in  that  wine  room.  I Avent  AvlieneA^er  I was  invited. 
There  was  about  seA^enteen  young  men  Avent  to  that  dance 

hall.  I did  not  dance  with  all  the  men.  Walter  was 

one  of  those  that  could  not  dance.  The  different  boys  I 
danced  Avith  did  not  buy  me  many  drinks.  I do  remember 
being  in  the  wine  room  quite  often  and  haAung  something  to 
drink.  I Avent  to  Avork  the  Monday  following  this  dance.  I 
Avent  Avith  him  to  get  a drink  in  the  wine  room.  I stayed  in 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


69 


the  wine  room  while  one  dance  passed,  and  I went  out.  Then 
he  said,  I should  come  back  again  and  1 went  back  and  we 
stayed  there  about  forty-five  minutes.  I went  to  other  dances 

at  different  places.  On  May  12th,  1912,  Walter 

suggested  that  I go  down  town  with  him.  He  asked  whether 
1 would  not  go  aown  to  a lunch  room,  and  I said:  “Sure, 
but  no  further  than  First  Avenue.”  When  we  cam©  to 
First  Avenue,  he  said:  “Down  town  we  can  get  a better 
lunch.”  And  we  went  down  town.  He  did  not  take  me 
to  no  luncn  room.  My  home  is  a block  away  from  his  home. 
1 went  down  town  without  knowing  where  1 was  going. 
Then  i asked  whicii  lunch  room  lie  was  going  to  take  me 
to.  He  did  not  answer,  but  says  he  wants  to  go  and  see  a 
friend  of  his.  1 remember  passing  the  Frmeess  Theatre  and 
then  1 got  olf  the  car.  When  we  got  in,  (^to  the  rooiu ) he  told 
me  to  sit  down.  Then  he  went  away.  1 stayed  there  waiting 
for  him  for  about  five  minutes.  He  came  back  with  another 
fellow.  Then  they  went  up  a stairway,  and  he  just  made  a 
wink.  I did  not  know  where  he  was  going  to.  Alter  a while 
I went  up  with  him  and  he  locked  the  room  right  away. 
When  I came  into  the  room,  the  light  was  turned  real  low,  so 
I turned  up  the  light.  This  man  that  had  accompanied  me 
upstairs  went  into  the  room  first.  He  opened  the  door  and 
Walter  took  me  by  the  arm  and  just  pushed  me  in  like  that, 
and  he  locked  the  doors.  “Well,  what  do  you  want  to  do 
with  this?  Do  you  think  this  is  a lunch  room?”  I said.  After 
awhile,  he  says,  “Oh!  That  this  was  the  only  way  he  could 
get  me.  He  wanted  me  so  bad  and  he  thought  that  this  was 
the  only  way  he  could  get  me.  I would  not  stay  in  there  at 
all.  I looked  through  the  window  and  seen  a rope.  I thought 
that  maybe  I could  get  out  that  way.  I did  not  see  no  fire  es- 
cape. I only  seen  a rope.  I said  I did  not  Avant  to  stay  there. 
He  says  I should  because  I Avould  have  to  be  there  once  any- 
Avay  before  he  Avould  take  me.  He  then  undressed  me.  I did 
not  have  anything  to  eat  or  drink. 

“When  my  mother  asked  me  Avhere  I had  been,  I told  her 
by  a different  friend.  I did  not  Avant  to  tell  her  about  the 
room.  I did  not  tell  her  until  quite  a AAdiile  after.  Some  time 
in  August.  This  is  the  first  time  I told  her  anything  about 
going  into  this  room  Avith  ” 

Action  in  Supreme  Court  for  breach  of  promise. 

Compensatory  damages  fixed  at  $1500,  and  punitory  dam- 
ages at  $500. 

In  action  for  seduction  jury  returned  a verdict  of  $150  com- 
pensatory damages  j and  punitory  damages  of  $1500  AA^hich 
judgment  Avas  affirnied  by  the  Supreme  Court. 


70 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Saloons. 

So  much,  has  been  said  in  previous  paragraphs  in  regard  to  the 
extent  of  the  intimate  connection  between  prostitution  and  the 
liquor  traffic  that  it  is  unnecessary  at  this  point  to  devote  a large 
section  to  an  introductory  statement.  The  reports  of  the -investi- 
gators indicate  that  in  each  citj^  the  most  extensively  used  insti- 
tution for  the  fostering  of  prostitution  is  the  saloon ; that  in  each 
city  visited  certain  saloons  appear  to  be  the  headquarters  and 
meeting  place  for  men  and  women  seeking  immoral  relations; 
that  of  all  men  connected  in  any  way  with  commercialized  vice, 
bartenders  are  the  best  informed  and  best  able  to  direct  customers 
to  women  and  resorts  where  prostitution  may  be  had.  One 
madam  examined  by  the  committee  acknowledged  that  when  the 
sale  of  liquor  was  prohibited  in  her  resort  her  custom  fell  off  fully 
one-half.  The  pfiysiological  and  psychological  connection  be- 
tween intoxication  and  unnatural  sexual  impulses  forms  the 
groundw^ork  for  this  conclusion.  There  can  be  no  question  as  to 
the  fact  that  a man  or  woman  under  the  in^uence  of  intoxicants 
is  in  a much  graver  danger  of  committing  immoral  sexual  acts 
than  the  man  or  woman  wdiose  brain  is  clear.  This  committee 
goes  on  record  as  enthusiastically  recommending  all  sane  reforms 
and  regulations  which  may  be  imposed  upon  tfie  liquor  traffic,  and 
the  committee  further  believes  that  without  restricting  the  activi- 
ties of  certain  classes  of  saloons  it  Avill  be  impossible  to  strike 
commercialized  vice  a serious  blow  or  diminish  its  prevalence  and 
terrible  effects  in  disease  and  Avasted  human  life. 

EePORTS  op  InA’ESTIGATORS. 

City  No.  59.  WX.  Has  a Avell  furnished  saloon  in  front.  At 
its  rear  is  a large  palm  garden,  and  a side  entrance  as  Avell 
from  the  bar.  Cabaret  entertainment  is  proA'ided  from  S P. 
M.  until  midnight.  SuggestiAm  and  A’ulgar  songs  are  sung,  as 
the  audience  demands.  The  palm  garden  is  Avell  patronized 
by  sporting  Avomen  Avho  sit  from  table  to  table  Avith  men  and 
solicit  men.  Seems  to  be  the  intention  on  the  part  of 
the  men  to  run  this  place  Avide  open.  Heard  the  man- 
ager suggest  to  a party  of  four  that  if  thej'  Avere  out 
for  the  night  and  expected  to  take  in  eA'erything,  that 

they  should  be  sure  to  go  to  place  on 

road solicited  men  AA'ho  came  into 

the  palm  garden  from  the  bar  and  shortly  afterward 


Keport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


71 


took  a man  upstairs.  The  investigator  folloAved  them  in  time 
to  get  upstairs  as  they  entered  a room.  Asked  the  proprietor 

for  , her  daughter,  and  her  answer  was  that  she 

was  in  but  Avould  be  busy  for  an  hour. 

City  No.  59.  Saloon  GX  10.  Girls  solicit  in  the  barroom 

with  the  consent  of  the  proprietor , one  of  the  girls 

here,  has  a pimp  by  the  name  of  G.  X.  A.,  who  is  a frequenter 

of  this  place desired  to  take  the  investigator  to  the 

hotel  GX  10  B to  carry  on  prostitution.  The  proprietor  in- 
formed the  investigator  that  is  a hue  girl, — she 

is  twenty-four  years  of  age.  The  girls  sit  at  the  table  in 
the  saloon  barroom claims  this  city  is  her  home.  Car- 

ries on  prostitution  and  has  made  as  high  as  $80.00  a week. 
Makes  $10.00  a Aveek  in  this  place.  Three  Avomen  hustle  here. 
One  is  called 

City  No.  49.  GX  119.  Character  of  the  saloon  is  bad. 
Tavo  prostitutes  were  seen  here,  ages  21  and  29.  Both  stopped 
men.  Cafe  is  in  connection  Avith  saloon,  but  no  music  is  fur- 
nished. Beer  in  the  rear  room  is  5 cents  a glass.  Both  girls 
solicited  the  investigator  to  go  upstairs  to  the  assignation 
rooms  over  the  saloon. 

City  No.  59.  Saloon  GX  11.  This  is  one  of  the  Avorst  places 
in  town.  Only  young  girls  hang  out  here.  Girls  have  inter- 
course Avith  men  in  the  toilet  room  and  also  in  the  small  room 
connected  Avith  the  barroom.  A girl  called  “Babe”,  who  is 
about  17  years  of  age,  desired  to  take  the  investigator  to  her 

sister  to  carry  on  prostitution stated  that  her 

price  Avas  $1.00 stated  that  she  has  a SAveetheart 

who  takes  her  all  over  the  country.  They  were  recently  in 
St.  Paul.  Four  of  the  Avomen  in  this  place  Avere  smoking  ciga- 
rettes. Reported  to  be  the  toughest  place  in  toAvn.  The  con- 
versation is  all  about  prostitution.  This  is  a hangout  Satur- 
day night  for  girls  employed  at  department  store. 

Note  by  investigator. — This  place  by  all  means  ought  to 
be  closed  up. 

City  94.  WX.  This  place  occupies  a two  story  frame  build- 
ing. On  the  first  floor  is  a common  class  saloon.  At  its  rear  is  a 
large  Avine  room — Avith  a stairAvay  betAveen.  There  is  also  an 

entrance  to  the  wine  room  from Ave.  Upstairs  is  a 

dance  hall.  This  also  has  an  entrance  from  First  Avenue, 
next  door  to  that  of  the  Avine  room.  Here  Saturday  night 
dances  are  held,  and  pass-out  checks  are  issued.  Men  take 
girls  into  the  AA’ine  room  and  get  them  intoxicated.  Mrs. 


72 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


. , who  has  a good  deal  of  trouble  with  her  daughter, 

age  18,  about  frequenting  this  and  similar  places,  says  this 
dance  hall  has  been  the  cause  of  the  downfall  of  many  girls 
through  their  being  allowed  to  become  intoxicated  here. 

City  No.  94.  WX.  Occupies  a two  story  brick  building, 
common  class  saloon,  with  lunch  counter  attached.  Has  a very 
large  wine  room.  Inside  connection  between  this  wine  room  and 
plainly  furnished  rooms  above.  In  the  back  of  this  there  is  a 
summer  garden  now  fixed  up  for  winter  use.  This  is  a notor- 
iously bad  place,  especially  in  the  summer  season,  when  so 
many  girls  frequent  the  place,  often  remaining  until  a very 
late  hour  and  becoming  intoxicated. 

Chicago  Vice  Commission,  page  34.  Prostitution  in  the 
saloon.  The  Commission  has  found  in  its  investigation  that 
the  most  dangerous  immoral  influence  and  the  most  important 
financial  interest  outside  of  the  business  of  prostitution  as 
carried  on  in  houses  is  the  disorderly  saloons.  The  proprietors 
of  these  places  are  using  prostitutes  as  an  adjunct  to  the  sale 
of  beer  and  liquor  and  are  allowing  them  to  openly  solicit 
for  immoral  purposes  in  their  rear  rooms.  This  is  done  in 
spite  of  the  constant  statement  of  the  brewers  and  wholesale 
liquor  dealers  that  they  are  against  the  use  of  prostitutes  in 
saloons  which  they  supply. 

Chicago  Vice  Commission  Report,  page  119.  We  found 
the  most  conspicuous  and  important  element  in  connection 
with  the  social  evil  next  to  the  house  of  prostitution  itself 
was  the  saloon  and  the  most  important  financial  interest  next 
to  the  business  of  prostitution  was  the  liquor  interest. 

Chicago  Vice  Commission  Report,  page  127.  IMany  of  the 
women  who  frequent  the  saloons  at  the  beginning  are  not  pro- 
fessional prostitutes.  They  are  weak  morally  with  a strong 
desire  for  drink.  They  learn  that  generous  men  are  there 
who  willingly  buy  them  drinks. 

Minneapolis  Vice  Commission  Report,  page  75.  While 
women  have  been  generally  excluded  from  saloons,  there  are 
several  so-called  cafes  in  the  city  whose  operations  are  so 
flagrantly  opposed  to  good  public  morals  as  suggests  strongly 
the  necessity  for  ofiicial  action. 

Philadelphia  Vice  Commission  Report,  page  8.  Investiga- 
tion has  shown  that  a large  number  of  proprietors  of  saloons 
and  hotels  use  their  licenses  unlawfully  and  allow  immorality 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


73 


of  the  most  flagrant  kind  in  their  rear  rooms  and  rathskellers. 
Soliciting  by  prostitutes  is  carried  on  in  a great  many  cafes 
and  the  waiters  and  bartenders  and  often  the  proprietor  will 
direct  the  customer  to  bed  houses  and  furnished  rooms  in  their 
vicinity.  Some  saloons  have  bedrooms  on  the  upper  floors 
and  many  hotels  are  extensively  used  as  bed  houses.  They 
are  often  a great  source  of  danger  to  young  girls  and  are 
used  for  soliciting  by  prostitutes. 

Street  Conditions. 

There  is  a very  dangerous  situation  in  the  tendency  of  certain 
young  girls  to  loiter  about  the  streets,  in  restaurants,  railroad 
stations,  hotel  lobbies,  dance  halls  and  amusement  resorts  tmtil 
late  at  night.  Many  promiscuously  accept  invitations  to  go  for 
automobile  rides  into  the  country  and  to  road  houses.  They  are 
willing  to  attend  the  theatre  and  moving  picture  shows  with  abso- 
lute strangers,  little  knowing  that  such  practices  may  lead  to 
careers  of  professional  immorality.  The  testimony  of  numerous 
prostitutes,  not  only  in  Wisconsin,  but  wherever  such  information 
has  been  collected,  indicates  that  this  is  a very  common  road,  in- 
deed, to  the  house  of  ill  fame.  The  situation  in  cities  of  Wiscon- 
sin furnisihes  a very  serious  problem,  and  the  responsibility  rests 
heavily  upon  cities  and  to  some  degree  upon  the  state  govern- 
ment itself.  Practical  remedies  should  be  suggested  and  tried 
out  at  once. 

Some  cities  have  proMded  recreation  centers  and  amusement 
resorts  under  strict  municipal  control.  The  extension  of-  the 
neighborhood  social  centers,  and  the  use  of  sehoolhouses  and 
churches  as  social  centers,  would  undoubtedly  have  a beneficial 
effect.  The  phances  of  such  enterprises  for  success  would  be  more 
than  doubly  increased,  if  parents  would  take  an  active  and  co- 
operative interest  in  securing  legitimate  opportunities  for  the  ex- 
ercise of  the  social  instincts  of  young  people  in  every  city.  The 
attention  of  churches  and  philanthropic  organizations  and  the 
public  schools  is  called  to  the  necessity  of  providing  wholesome 
amusement  and  entertainment  under  safe  auspices  to  counteract 
the  evil  influence  and  dangerous  attractions  of  the  street.  In  the 
following  paragrapjis  are  given  some  of  the  observations  of  inves- 
tigators. 

City  No.  102.  Investigator  reports  that  they  And  in  after- 
noons from  three  to  five  and  at  night  until  11 :30  that  there  is 


74 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


co]isi(leral)le  streetwalking  done  here  by  semi-professional 
prostitutes  wlio  ivork  in  tlie  hotels  and  restaurants  as  wait- 
resses, and  during  their  hours  off  afternoons  are  found  on  the 
streets  and  in  cafes,  soliciting  men  and  taking  them  to  almost 
any  place,  or  to  their  own  rooms.  This  crowd  at  night  is  aug- 
mented by factory  girls,  shop  girls  and  others,  all  of 

whom  ply  their  trade  seemingly  without  police  interference. 

City  No.  5.  Among  the  wmrking  girls  we  find  prostitution 
rampant  in  this  city.  This  is  not  due  to  their  receiving  less 
than  a living  wage,  for  throughout  this  valley  girls  employed 
in  industries  are  usually  Avell  paid,  receiving  $1.00  and  up- 
ward a day  for  their  services.  Instead  it  is  the  lover  of  fine 
clothes,  such  as  could  not  be  bought  Avith  their  salary,  that  is 
the  streetwalker  at  night.  There  are  many  of  these  semi- 
professional  prostitutes  plying  their  trade  boldly  on  the  streets 
at  night,  seemingly  Avithout  any  fear  of  the  police.  They  are 
nermitted  to  frequent  the  Avine  rooms  and  any  of  the  cheaper 
hotels  will  accommodate  them,  and  ask  no  questions,  as  most 
of  them  are  bed  houses.  It  is  the  general  opinion  that  the 
moral  conditions  among  the  girls,  students  of  the  high  school, 

and  of college,  are  good, — that  about  all  of  them 

come  from  v'ery  good  homes  and  are  morally  clean. 

City  No.  47.  Page  58 Street,  betAveen 

and  Streets,  are  the  two  Avorst  blocks  in  the 

city  for  streetAvalkers  and  immoral  resorts.  They  are  in  the 

heart  of  the  city.  BetAveen  . street  and 

street  on  north  street  there  are  tAvo  disorderly 

saloons  and  three  assignation  resorts,  Avith  15  Avomen  inmates. 

In  the  block  betAveen  street  and  

street  there  is  one  bad  saloon  Avith  an  attached  restaurant,  and 

hotel  and  restaurant  and  tAvo  ad- 

.ioining  assignation  resorts,  besides  the  rooms  OA^er  the 

theatre  are  also  noted  places.  In  these  resorts  are  12  known 
inmates,  making  a total  of  24  knoAvn  inmates  in  tAvo  blocks. 
Besides  these,  there  are  many  other  Avomen  of  bad  character 
AA'ho  frequent  these  resorts. 

On Street,  betAveen  10  o’clock  and  10:15  P.  M. 

saAV  three  girls  accost  men  near  the  entrance  to  

street,  upstairs.  In  the  same  block,  between  10  and  10  ;30 
saAv  men  accosted.  Some  of  the  women  I later  knew  to  be  in- 
mates of  these  resorts.  On  the  same  night  between  5:30  and 

5 :55  Avas  accosted  by  fiAm  men  on  street,  the 

principal  thoroughfare  betAveen and  

streets.  Some  of  these  were  bold  enough  to  folloAV.  On 

, betAveen  midnight  and  one  A.  M.,  saw  20  women 

on  street,  between  and  

streets  solicit  men  passing  from  doorways. 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


75 


IMoving  Picture  Shows  and  Vaudeville  Theatres. 

The  growth  of  the  moving  picture  shows  in  the  United  States 
has  been  one  of  the  most  surprising  and  phenomenal  developments 
of  the  past  ten  years.  The  very  fact  that  these  amusement  resorts 
are  patronized  by  all  classes  of  people  and  are  wddely  spread  in 
every  section  of  all  American  cities  is  an  indication  of  the  immense 
popularity  wdiieh  moving  pictures  have  obtained  in  this  country. 
It  is  useless  and  futile  to  suggest  the  discontinuance  of  these 
places,  even  though  some  have  dangerous  features.  There  is  a 
certain  psychological  appeal  in  the  vivid  and  sensational  life  de- 
picted by  moving  pictures  that  draws  even  more  patronage  than 
regular  theatres.  Indeed,  the  complaint  is  coming  from  theatre 
managers  that  the  moving  picture  establishments  are  taking  away 
their  support.  The  moving  picture  show  has  been  called  very 
aptly  “the  poor  man’s  theatre.”  The  fact  that  the  admission 
price  is  generally  5 or  10  cents,  places  the  “movie”  within  the 
reach  of  children,  and  classes  living  even  in  the  poorest  sections 
of  great  cities. 

In  a large  proportion  of  the  films  showm  by  moving  picture 
companies  there  is  a sensational  and  Inrid  exposition  of  life  Avhich 
parallels  the  stories  of  the  most  yellow  dime  novels.  Many  of  the 
shows  are  melodramatic,  morbid,  and  by  over-emphasizing  certain 
unfortunate  conditions  and  characteristics  of  human  life  present 
a wrong  view  of  the  w’orld  to  the  spectator.  There  can  be  no 
question  but  that  the  frequent  witnessing  of  such  shows  has  a 
more  detrimental  effect  upon  the  ideals  of  children  than  the  read- 
ing of  cheap  and  sensational  novels.  It  leaves  an  unwholesome 
train  of  thought  in  the  mind  of  the  child,  and  emphasizes'  the 
stories  of  murder,  illicit  love  and  other  morbid  subjects  with 
wdiich  the  immature  mind  should  not  be  burdened. 

On  the  other  hand  there  are  so  many  vmlnable  characteristics 
in  the  moving  picture  show,  so  many  fine  possibilities  for  infor- 
mation and  entertainment,  that  even  were  it  possible  to  repress 
them  entirely,  this  would  not  be  desirable.  The  moving  picture 
theatre  under  proper  supervision  and  control  and  showdng  clean 
and  healthful  pictures  has  in  it  the  possibility  of  great  cultural 
benefits. 

However,  the  most  serious  danger  of  the  moving  picture  theatre 
is  not  in  the  films  shown  but  in  the  darkness  of  the  room,  the  dan- 


76 


Eeport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


gerous  comiianioiis  that  may  he  met,  and  the  crowded  un healthful 
atmosphere.  Frequent  testimony  has  come  before  this  commit- 
tee to  show  that  the  moving  picture  theatre  is  a common  place  of 
meeting  for  many  of  the  wild  and  careless  younger  people  of  every 
community.  Whoever  has  attended  a “movie”  in  a poor  and 
neglected  portion  of  the  city  has  noticed  the  freedom  with  which 
new  companions  are  “picked  up,”  and  the  informal  and  undig- 
nified conduct  of  young  men  and  young  women,  and  in  this  con- 
dition lies  the  real  danger  in  that  it  furnishes  a convenient  and 
easy  meeting  place  for  immoral  young  people. 

There  is  a possibility  of  wiping  out  this  phase  of  the  evils  which 
attend  many  picture  houses.  These  entertainment  resorts  can  be 
properly  lighted,  can  be  more  closely  censored  to  shut  out  the 
morbid  and  sensational  film,  and  regulations  can  be  imposed 
which  would  prevent  children  from  attending  moving  picture 
shows  late  in  the  evening.  There  can  be  a more  rigid  supervision 
of  all  that  takes  place  in  the  moving  picture  theatre. 

It  is  to  be  noted  that  the  same  criticisms,  which  apply  to  the 
moving  picture  theatre,  apply  also  to  the  vaudeville  show.  In  ad- 
dition to  the  sensational  and  morbid  films  which  are  shown  in  the 
vaudeville  theatres  as  well  as  in  the  moving  picture  houses,  there 
are  indecent  jokes,  salacious  references,  ^ullgar  dances,  to  say 
nothing  of  a room  in  many  eases  equally  as  dark  as  that  of  the 
moving  picture  show.  It  is  inconsistent  to  impose  more  strict 
regulations  upon  the  moving  picture  theatres,  unless  a closer  cen- 
sorship is  imposed  upon  vaudeidlle  shows.  Elements  that  tend 
to  suggest  immoral  conduct  and  morbid  trains  of  thought  should 
be  struck  as  squarely  in  one  as  in  the  other. 

Before  the  last  session  of  Congress  there  was  a bill  which  pro- 
vided for  a United  States  government  board  of  censors  for  mov- 
ing pictures.  This  bill  should  receive  the  endorsement  of  the 
state. 

Testimony  before  the  committee  indicates  that  there  is  a wide- 
spread criticism  which  is  adverse  to  the  moving  picture  shows  as 
they  are  at  present  conducted.  Some  of  the  testimony  on  this 
point  follows ; 

“I  was  brought  up  on  a farm  and  never  attended  them  un- 
til I was  21  years  of  age.  I don’t  think  I am  any  the  worse 
off.  Is  not  a child  better  off  playing  in  its  father’s  back  yard 
than  going  to  watch  a picture  tragedy?  This  is  the  position 
I take.” 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


77 


Milwaukee.  Page  296.  “I^tlimk  there  should  be  more  reg- 
ulation of  the  dance  hail  and  moving  picture  show,  so  far  as 
the  age  of  the  child  is  concerned.  Censorship  of  moving  pic- 
ture shows  should  be  more  complete  than  it  is.  I understand 
now  that  the  films  are  censored.  It  is  not  possible  for  the 
commission  which  is  not  paid  to  have  all  of  the  films  censored 
before  showing,  as  it  is  necessary  for  that  film  to  be  seen  by 
some  person  interested  in  it  to  report  to  the  commission,  and 
the  picture  may  go  around  to  the  majority  of  the  picture 
shows  before  that  interested  person  has  a chance  to  see  it  and 
complains  of  it.  It  seems  to  me  that  it  would  be  thoroughly 
worth  while  to  have  a paid  commission  to  censor  every  film 
that  came  to  Milwaukee.” 

Fond  du  Lac.  Mrs Page  22.  “I  think  some 

of  these  moving  picture  shows  are  a menace.  I don’t  think 
it  does  a child  any  good  to  see  those  white  slave  or  opium 
scenes.  I think  it  puts  into  the  boys’  heads  ideas  that  they 
have  never  thought  of,  and  I think  there  ought  to  be  a censor- 
ship for  every  one.” 

I 

Mr.  Hadfield.  Superior.  Page  196.  “The  great  criticism 
is  that  the  average  picture  shown  that  deals  with  higher  class 
dramatic  values  is  not  appreciated.  You  put  something  on 
that  requires  a little  education,  and  the  people  do  not  like  it. 
They  don’t  want  it.  All  of  the  people  prefer  more  on  the 
‘slap  stick’  comedy.  They  don’t  care  for  industrial  pictures. 
They  want  something  with  action  and  that  is  funny.  They 
don’t  care  to  go  in  and  cry.  Some  people  would  leave  their 
home  to  see  a travel  picture,  but  the  ordinary  person  doesn’t 
care  to  see  travel  pictures.” 

Recreation  Parks. 

The  committee  finds  that  the  legitimate  use  of  recreation  parks 
in  some  of  the  cities  of  the  state  has  been  so  perverted  that  these 
naturally  healthful  resorts  have  become  dangerous  to  public  mor- 
als, the  reason  being  that  in  a large  number  of  cases,  these  parks 
are  poorly  lighted  and  inadequately  supervised.  They  thus  fur- 
nish convenient  places  for  immoral  practices.  The  testimony  and 
evidence  indicates  that  it  is  quite  possible  and,  indeed,  custom- 
ary for  young  people  to  seek  the  seclusion  of  the  parks  when  they 
wish  to  accomplish  acts  of  immorality. 

It  has  been  the  experience  of  every  city  that  has  established 
playgrounds  and  recreation  parks  that  the  problem  of  moral  at- 
mosphere is  the  most  difficult  with  which  to  deal.  For  this  rea- 


78 


Eeport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


sou,  many  parks  and  playgrounds  have  been  fenced,  and  the  i>ub- 
lic  is  not  allowed  upon  the  grounds,  except  when  the  supervisor 
is  in  attendance.  The  playgrounds  and  parks  of  some  cities  are 
well  lighted,  whicfi  makes  it  difficult  for  any  immorality  to  take 
place.  Careful  reading  of  the  following  typical  cases  will  indi- 
cate how  serious  is  this  problem  in  some  cities  of  Wisconsin. 

City  No.  59.  R.  398.  “The  next  day  I Aveut  to  the 

city  park,  which  I found  to  be  frequented  b}'  a much  differ- 
ent class  than  the  former  park.  Here  I found  men  aud 
women  drinking  beer  in  the  beer  garden,  aud  many  Avere  Avell 
under  the  influence  of  liquor.  The  merry-go-round  is  the 
Avorst  feature  of  this  place.  As  an  illustration  of  AA'hat  took 
place,  I Avish  to  relate  the  case  of  a youug  girl  about  Id  years 
of  age  Avhom  the  attendant  permitted  to  ride  about  six  times 
Avithout  paying  a cent.  As  soon  as  this  attendant  had  collect- 
ed the  fares,  he  Avould  return  to  this  girl,  aud  their  actions 
Avere  anything  but  decent.  This  young  girl  iiromised  to  meet 
this  attendant  at  midnight. 


“Next  visited  park  aud  Avalked  to  the  lake 

just  beloAv , aud  as  I arrHed  near  the  tool  house 


just  behind  a little  hunch  of  shrubbery,  I saw  a youug  couple 
in  a compromising  position.  They  made  no  effort  to  get  aAvay. 
As  I approached,  the  girl  remained  stretched  out.  full  length 
on  the  ground.  The  girl  Avas  in  an  intoxicated  state.  All 
along  I saAv  couples  embracing  and  kissing  each  other.  At 
different  places  in  the  park,  I saAv  girls  sitting  alone  until 
some  man  Avould  come  along,  whereupon  she  Avould  speak  to 
him  in  a suggestHe  Avay. 

\ 

D.  C.  Eudris,  Assistant  Supervisor  of  Recreation  of  Mihvau- 
kee  Public  Schools  testified  in  ansAver  to  the  question,  “IIoav 
are  you  preventing  your  minor  girls  from  going  Avroug?”,  as 
folloAA's : “You  Avill  notice  that  the  AA'ituesses  on  the  stand  the 
last  feAV  days  have  all  attributed  girls  going  Avrong  because 
they  have  been  to  dances  and  palm  gardens  aud  parks.  Why? 
In  search  of  recreation,  and  CA’ery  human  being  must  have  re- 
creation, and  Ave  haAm  been  at  fault  in  not  supplying  our  youug 
people  Avith  places  Avhere  they  could  get  Avholesome  recreation. 
They  haAm  been  Avholly  at  the  mercy  of  commercialized  recre- 
ation. There  Avasn’t  a place  for  a girl  to  go  aud  get  happi- 
ness, so  Ave  are  trying  to  giA^e  the  young  jieople  AA'holesome, 
supervised  recreation  under  uplifting  conditions.” 

(Statement  of  klr Superior.)  “I  kiiOAV  hoAV 

Avell  policed  Billings  Park  has  been  for  a long  time.  I had  a 
controA^ersy  Avith  the  Mayor  at  one  time,  and  he  insisted  that 


Keport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


79 


it  was  well  i:)oliced  and  Avell  lighted.  He  never  was  around 
tliere  when  r wanted  to  niid  him.  1 was  out  there  and  there. 
W'as  a drunken  man  C'lng  right  across  the  path  and  I was 
compelled  to  step  over  iinn.  There  was  not  a policeman  in 
siglic.  Tliey  insisted  that  the  park  was  lighted.  As  a matter 
ol  tact,  that  is  not  so.  1 kave  been  told  tiiat  young  people 
iretiuenc  tins  place  tor  immoral  purposes.  1 have  seen  them 
myseit.  A man  told  me,  who  has  an  automobile  and  who  goes 
out  around  there,  tliat,  as  his  light  flasbes  in  and  out  among 
tiie  trees,  the  conditions  are  very  bad,  and  it  is  a shame  to 
take  anyoody  out  tliore. 

"Tlie  smad  park  near is  frequently  visited  by 

prostitutes  who  ply  their  trade  there.  1 saw  one  woman  who 
took  two  men  to  her  room  within  an  hour.  The  young  man 

whose  mother  conducts  the  rooming  house  next  to  the 

told  me  that  he  saw  one  woman  take  nine  men  to  her  room 
in  an  evening.” 

(Madison.  Page  17.  Testimony  by  ) In  an- 

swer to  the  questioil  Avhere  the  boys  take  girls,  the  reply  was, 
‘‘They  don’t  have  to  go  very  far  off.  An  ohicer  told  me  he 
picked  up  eleven  couples  on  the  lake  front  the  other  niglil, 
and  one  offered  him  $50.00  not  to  have  him  pulled.  The  man 

was  pulled  the  next  day  and  fined  $5.00.  . . park 

is  the  hell-hole.  Heard  of  a young  girl  the  other  day  that 
was  taken  over  there  and  stripped  before  a crowd  of  men  and 
the  police  kiieiv  it.  The  girl  was  taken  up  by  the  police,  and 
she  was  sent  to  Milwaukee.” 

(Judge  Eisner,  Judge  of  the  court  having  charge  of  has 
tardy  actions  in  Milwaukee  County.)  “I  will  also,  before  I 
forget  it,  mention  that  most,  if  not  all  of  the  so-called  canoe 
boat  buildings  along  the  Milwaukee  River  are  the  hell-holes, 
that  a good  many  innocent  girls  have  gone  Avrong  because  of 
the  existence  of  the  canoe  club  buildings  along  the  Milwau 
kee  River.” 


Commercialized  Aspect. 

Upon  the  whole,  it  is  very  evident  that  the  evils  of  commercial- 
ized vice  have  their  most  difficult  and  complicated  problems  in 
the  businesses  which  are  associated  with  them.  The  selfish  in- 
terest of  business  men,  large  and  small,  Avho  make  an  illegitimate 
profit  out  of  one  form  or  another  of  prostitution,  is  the  hardest 
point  to  sti'ike  in  attempting  to  eradicate  the  evil.  Wherever 
the  evils  of  vice  have  entrenched  themselves  in  allied  businesses, 
there  are  found  reactionary  influences  and  great  unwillingness 


Bo  Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

to  accept  reform.  Only  by  striking  at  the  commereialmed  aspect 
of  this  evil  is  there  any  hope  of  suppressing  and  finally  doing 
away  altogether  with  commercialized  prostitution.  Laws  and  in- 
vestigations are  insufficient  to  accomplish  this.  There  must  be 
something  more  fundamental  and  far-reaching  than  acts  of  legis- 
latures and  publicity,  however  good  these  may  be.  There  must 
be  an  awakening  of  the  social  conscience  to  a recognition  of  the 
folly  of  any  traffic  which  damages  a part  of  society.  The  public 
must  be  made  to  feel  that  an  evil  which  damages  a portion  of 
society  directly,  also  damages  the  whole  of  society  indirectly, 
and  no  man  can  tell  when  the  roots  of  the  evil  may  strike  him  and 
his  JiORie.  An  intolerant,  indignant  and  insistent  attitude  of 
the  public  in  every  community  would  soon  drive  the  selfish  per- 
sons, who  profit  directly  and  indirectly  from  the  practice  of 
prostitution,  under  cover,  and  make  the  existence  of  such  prac- 
tices sufficient  to  obtain  social  ostracism  and  disgrace. 

In  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  where  many  excellent  legal  instru- 
ments are  already  provided,  it  is  possible  for  any  community  to 
strike  commercialized  vice  a death  blow  through  the  Linley  Law, 
commonly  known  as  the  Injunction  and  Abatement  Law.  This 
law  provides  a means  of  striking  the  owner  of  property  which  is 
used  for  purposes  of  prostitution,  such  a vital  blow  that  it  will 
be  the  chief  concern  of  owners  to  keep  their  property  free  from 
any  suspicion  of  immorality.  In  every  community  there  should 
be  committees  and  other  organizations  to  enforce  this  law.  In 
other  pages  of  this  report  is  given  an  account  of  the  work  of  the 
Milwaukee  Society  For  The  Suppression  of  Commercialized  Vice, 
which  did  such  valuable  and  worthy  work  in  jMilwaukee.  Atten- 
tion is  directed  to  this  section. 

The  committee  has  found  that  in  many  places  buildings  are 
being  knowingly  rented  by  owners  and  agents,  to  be  used  for 
purposes  of  prostitution.  In  some  cases  buildings  which  are  so 
located  that  the  rent  for  ordinary  purposes  would  be  $15.00  a 
month  are  rented  for  this  purpose  for  from  fifty  to  two  hundred 
dollars  a month,  and  in  many  other  places  the  rents  charged  and 
paid  for  the  use  of  such  premises  are  several  times  the  ordinary 
rent  for  similarly  located  quarters  in  the  same  city.  Tliis  extor- 
tionate rent  naturally  makes  the  proprietors  and  their  real  estate 
agents,  who  profit  so  largely,  object  to  the  work  of  any  committee 


liEPOKT  OF  THE  WISCONSIN  ViCE  COMMITTEE. 


81 


or  officers  who  wish  to  eradicate  the  eyil  from  the  city.  The  fol- 
lowing reports  give  concrete  examples : 

City  No.  87.  GX,  page  111.  Bad  neighborhood.  Counted 
five  inmates.  Estimated  number  of  inmates,  nine.  Three  men 
in  parlor.  Price  of  prostitution,  $2.00;  perversion,  $2.00. 
Price  of  drinks,  $1.00;  rebate  to  woman  on  drinks,  10  cents. 
Inmates  dressed  in  kimonas.  Girls  receive  one-halt.  Weekly 
board  paid  by  girls,  $15.00.  One  man  connected  with  the 
house,  viz.,  owner  (GX42.)  Daily  receipts  of  girls,  $8.00.  Pent 
paid,  $165  per  month.  I'ormerly  ran  a house  in  Milwaukee. 

City.  No.  68.  Page  196 Plats,  20 

Street.  Pearl  J formerly  of  Racine,  landlady. 

Occupies  the  whole  of  the  second  floor  of  an  old  two  story  build- 
ing; it  is  a finely  furnished  parlor  house  sporting  resort.  There 
are  six  inmates ; the  landlady  receives  one-half  of  their  earn- 
ings, and  $6.00  per  week  board.  The  inmates  dress  in  loose 
flowing  kimonas  and  loose  apron  dresses.  The  landlady  says 
business  is  very  quiet  now;. that  even  so,  she  has  to  pay  just  as 
much  rent,  $125.00  a month,  and  that  an  ex-alderman,  now  an 

assemblyman,  Mr , owns  it.  The  real  value  of  the 

place  wouldn’t  exceed  $25.00  a month.  Ruby,  an  ex-inmate  of 
Grace  C ’s  sporting  resort,  Milwaukee,  is  now  an  in- 

mate here.  The  landlady  says  she  almost  always  has  from  12 
to  14  and  even  16  girls. 

It  is  found  that  beer  is  being  sold  at  the  customary  rate  of  one 
dollar  per  bottle,  and  that  in  many  places,  from  thirty  to  ninety 
cases  of  liquor  are  sold  each  month,  from  which  is  realized  an 
excessive  profit.  The  inmates  are  urged  to  have  all  who  patronize 
their  resorts  freely  spend  their  money  for  beer.  There  is  ample 
evidence  on  this  point. 

City  87.  GX  99.  This  man  had  his  house  for  a year  and  a 
half.  His  expenses  are  $16. QO  a day.  He  pays  $165.00  a month 
rent.  Takes  in  $85.50  a day  on-  the  average.  Pays  $52.50  pro- 
tection money.  He  sells  80  to  90  cases  of  beer  a month  at  $1.00 
a bottle.  Has  a six  year  lease. 

The  evidence  is  plentiful  that  certain  cab-men,  liverymen  and 
automobile  drivers  do  a large  business  in  conveying  immoral 
women  and  their  patrons  to  various  resorts  and  road  houses ; that 
on  account  of  the  returns  from  this  lucrative  business,  they  are 
opposed  to  any  move  aimed  at  the  elimination  of  commercialized 
immorality. 


6-V.  c. 


82 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Even  such  substantial  business  men  as  bankers  have  become  in- 
volved in  this  disgraceful  business.  Evidence  has  come  before 
the  committee  to  show  that  loans  have  knowingly  been  made  by 
banks  to  persons  engaged  in  conducting  houses  of  prostitution, 
and  that  when  efforts  have  been  made  to  have  such  bouses  closed, 
the  bank  officials  have  come  to  the  prosecuting  parties  and  have 
asked  them  to  discontinue  the  prosecutions  until  the  loans  could 
be  repaid.  In  one  city  one  of  the  leading  attorneys  publicly  an- 
nounced that  be  would  fight  the  bouses  of  prostitution  in  that 
city,  and  to  bis  surprise,  be  was  immediately  interviewed  by  a 
banker  who  requested  that  the  action  against  the  houses  of  prosti- 
tution be  withheld.  The  banker  stated  that  be  held  brewery 
bonds,  and  that  such  an  action  would  hurt  their  interests.  The 
attorney  dropped  the  prosecution,  and  the  place  continued  in 
operation.  Evidence  follows. 

City  No.  49,  page  346.  When  he  talked  of  closing  up  the 
house  outside  the  bankers  came  to  him  to  oppose  it,  and  said 
that  they  held  a number  of  bonds  of  breweries  and  that  it 
would  injure  the  trade.  Says  that  the  moral  issue  is  so  linked 
up  with  the  financial  that  it  is  very  hard  to  control  it ; that  the 
moral  conditions  as  to  saloons  Avould  be  hit  by  closing  up  of 
this  place. 

In  many  cities  we  find  that  certain  of  the  hatels  and  rooming 
houses  are  used  for  assignation  purposes,  as  explained  in  a pre- 
vious section,  and  because  this  practice  yields  a large  income,  they 
are  opposed  to  any  forces  which  attempt  to  Avipe  out  the  eA'il. 
Ample  evidence  can  be  given  in  support  of  this  statement.  (See 
section  on  “Assignation  Hotels.”) 

Political  Power. 

Investigation  shoAvs  that  the  interests  connected  Avith  commer- 
cialized prostitution  are  frequently  in  cooperation  Avith  saloons 
and  brcAveries,  and  through  their  officers  and  patrons,  exercise  a 
considerable  political  poAver.  One  of  the  best  illustrations  of  this 
came  to  light  at  a hearing  of  the  committee  in  a city  AA'here  evi- 
dence shoAvs  that  ninety  per  cent  of  the  saloons  ave  under  the  con- 
trol of  breAATU'ies,  and  tliat  certain  saloons  are  the  meeting  places 
for  i)rostitutes  and  their  customers.  Immoral  Avonieu  are  fre- 
quently the  patrons  of  the  saloons,  and  the  barkeepers  are  their 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


83 


active  agents  in  soliciting  trade  for  them  and  informing  customers 
where  such  women  can  be  found. 

The  fact  was  shown  that  because  some  of  the  bankers,  attor- 
neys and  other  leading  business  men  of  the  city,  some  of  whom 
were  candidates  for  certain  county  and  state  positions,  had  signed 
a petition  authorizing  a vote  in  that  city  at  the  September  elec- 
tions, to  determine  the  amount  of  license  fee,  certain  saloon  keep- 
ers, after  the  petition  was  filed,  displayed  in  their  saloons  a list  of 
these  signers  and  headed  it,  ‘ ‘ Knockers,  Kickers  and  Hypocrites,  ’ ’ 
and  admonished  their  patrons  to  vote  against  them  in  the  coming 
elections.  It  was  further  shown  that  these  interests  withdrew 
their  business  from  the  bankers  who  signed  the  petition.  One 
employer  sympathizing  with  the  elements  opposed  to  the  signers 
of  the  petition  noted  above,  issued  a circular  and  distributed  the 
same  to  all  his  employes,  forbidding  any  person  in  his  employ  to 
take  part  in  any  ‘‘municipal  activity.”  A copy  of  this  circular 
follows. 


, Wis.,  Sept.  19th,  1912. 

“It  has  come  to  our  notice,  that  a number  of  our  employes, 
holding  responsible  positions  in  our  company,  have  taken  ac- 
tive part  in  the  recent  “High  License”  campaign,  and  as  this 
activity  and  aggressiveness  on  their  part  has  caused  the  com- 
pany mucli  annoyance  and  possible  loss  of  business,  the  di- 
rectors of  the  Company,  at  a meeting  held  Mon- 

day, September  16th,  and  called  for  the  purpose  of  discussing 
this  subject,  decided  unanimously  that,  henceforth,  no  em- 
ployee of  this  company  can  hold  his  position  with  this  company 
if  he  becomes  an  aggressive  and  active  champion  for  either 
the  pro  or  con  of  any  campaign  or  controversy  involving  poli- 
tical, religious  or  municipal  matters. 

However,  the  directors  desire  to  have  it  distinctly  under- 
stood, that  it  is.  not  their  intention  nor  motive  to  interfere  with 
the  rights  and  privileges  of  anyone  connected  Avith  this  com- 
pany. They  believe  that  every  man  is  entitled  to  his  own  opin- 
ion and  privileged  to  act,  do  and  vote  as  his  judgment  dic- 
tates, but  they  also  believe  that  everyone  connected  Avith  this 
company  should  refrain  from  doing  anything  that  Avill  antag- 
onize the  friends  of  this  store.” 

On  the  evening  folloAAung  the  hearing  of  the  committee,  certain 
business  men  met  and  sent  a communication  to  the  goA^ernor  of  the 
state,  demanding  that  the  vice  iuATAStigation  he  stopped.  Apjiar- 
ently  to  cover  their  real  designs,  they  represented  that  the  com- 


84 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


mittee  had  wronged  and  embarrassed  women  employes  by  calling 
them  before  the  committee  for  bearings.  As  a matter  of  fact, 
the  labor  organizations,  who  naturally  would  stand  in  sympathy 
with  the  employees,  passed  a resolution  commending  the  action 
of  the  committee  in  that  city. 

Some  of  the  newspapers  in  the  state  took  up  this  controversy 
and  spread  the  news  of  it  over  the  state  in  a light  which  made  the 
work  of  the  committee  difficult  and  embarrassed  the  officers  of  the 
committee  in  attempting  to  secure  full  evidtoce. 

It  was  also  shown  in  another  city  that  some  of  those  interested 
with  the  owners  in  the  red  light  district,  after  the  election  in  the 
fall  of  1912  had  a street  celebration  with  bands,  to  celebrate  the 
victory  of  the  nonpartisans  who  defeated  the  former  officers,  who 
had  closed  the  red  light  district,  and  that  those  in  charge  of  the 
celebration  collected  money  from  some  of  those  interested  in 
prostitution.  The  following  is  a part  of  the  testimony  of  a man 
whose  tenants  had  been  fined  for  using  the  property  for  immoral 
purposes : 

City  59,  page  179.  “Q.  Did  they  collect  money  from  you  to 
pay  the  expenses  for  decorations  and  music  for  the  celebra- 
tion of  the  election  of  nonpartisans?  A.  They  didn’t  get  any. 

Q.  You  know  it  was  done?  A.  Why  sure,  they  met  me  and 

Mr right  on  the  corner  and  asked  him  and  me  for 

money  for  the  celebration. 

Nonenporcement  op  Laws. 

The  state  of  Wisconsin  has  a code  of  moral  laws  which  covers 
practically  every  phase  of  the  problem  under  consideration  by 
the  Legislative  Committee  on  White  Slavery".  Some  of  these 
laws  are  so  framed  in  the  interests  of  organized  vice  as  to  make  it 
extremely  difficult  to  secure  evidence  which  may  be  used  as  proof 
before  a jury,  but  a much  greater  difficulty  ib  to  get  the  law  en- 
forcing officers  to  utilize  in  good  faith  the  laws  and  regulations 
now  at  their  command.  Under  the  “discovery  statute,”  upon 
complaint  being  made,  even  on  information  and  belief,  any  per- 
son supposed  to  have  information  bearing  upon  a specific  case  can 
be  brought  into  court  and  fully  examined  under  oath,  concerning 
the  matter  before  the  court.  With  diligent  and  efficient  law 
enforcing  officers,  men  who  have  the  spirit  of  law  enforcement  in 
them  and  who  are  supported  bj^  public  opinion,  offenses  against 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


85 


excise  or  moral  laws  would  not  need  to  stand  unnoticed  any  longer 
than  crimes  of  theft  or  murder.  But,  the  great  difficulty  lies  in 
the  fact  that  when  the  moral  code  is  broken,  the  law  enforcing 
officers  remain  inactive  until  some  private  citizen  comes  before 
the  court  and  signs  a complaint.  The  private  citizen  is  then  ex- 
pected to  give  his  time  and  attention  to  the  case,  push  it  through 
the  court,  and  furnish  proof  to  sustain  his  action.  In  this  way  he 
is  subjected  to  all  the  ddium  of  that  portion  of  the  community 
which  cares  nothing  for  the  enforcement  of  the  moral  law,  and  he 
may  even  suffer  business  ostracism,  even  to  boycotting  that  re- 
sults from  making  complaints  against  his  neighbors  who  are  doing 
wrong.  Instead  of  the  officers,  with  all  the  power  and  machinery 
of  the  county  and  state  behind  them,  getting  the  facts  and  thus 
performing  the  duties  for  which  they  have  been  elected  and  are 
paid  by  the  taxpayers,  the  citizen  must  shoulder  the  burden. 

One  of  the  most  effective,  simple  and  practical  ways  of  doing 
away  with  this  unfortunate  condition  is  to  so  frame  the  laws  of 
the  state  that  law  enforcing  officers  are  not  merely  permitted  to 
enforce  the  law,  but  are  compelled  to  do  so.  One  of  the  best  ex- 
amples of  this  evasion  of  official  responsibility  is  that  of  the  en- 
forcement of  the  Linley  Law,  R.  S.  3187c,  which  in  substance  pro- 
vides as  follows:  “that,  whenever  a nuisance,  as  defined  in  section 
3185b,  (buildings  used  for  the  purpose  of  lewdness,  assignation 
or  prostitution)  exists  in  any  county  the  district  attorney  or  any 
citizen  of  such  county  may  begin  an  equitable  action  in  the  name 
of  the  state,  to  abate  the  same.”  Here  the  district  attorney,  in 
all  such  cases,  is  granted  full  authority  to  take  the  initiative  in 
bringing  action,  as  specifically  as  any  private  individual,  but  the 
district  attorney  is  not  compelled  to  initiate  such  action,  although 
he  may  have  the  facts  presented  to  him.  In  all  of  the  counties 
that  have  openly  recognized  houses  of  prostitution,  only  one  dis- 
trict attorney  has  seen  fit  to  take  the  initiative,  as  the  law  pro- 
vides ; they  continually  fall  back  upon  the  old  claim  that  it  is  not 
their  duty  to  make  complaints,  though  this  law  certainly  charges 
the  district  attorney  with  that  duty  as  fully  as  it  does  any  private 
citizen.  Furthermore,  they  are  t|ie  paid  officers  of  law  enforce- 
ment. This  law  was  purposely  framed  in  this  manner  to  bring 
the  responsibility  home  to  the  district  attorneys  of  the  counties  of 
this  state,  but  experience  has  shown  that  such  laws  must  be  made 


86 


Eeport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


mandatory  before  action  will  be  taken  by  tliem.  The  law  shouhl 
be  amended  to  fnrnisli  this  provision. 

The  evidence  before  the  committee  shows  many  other  cases  of 
nonenforeenient  of  the  excise  laws,  as  well  as  many  of  the  other 
moral  laws.  The  committee  has  mneh  testimony  strongly  tending 
to  show  that  the  police  in  many  cases  have  apparently  shut  their 
eyes  or  looked  the  other  way  when  offenses  have  been  committed 
within  their  knowledge.  It  is  also  found  that  the  public  is  over- 
indulgent  and  too  prone  to  let  law  breaking  pass  unpunished, 
though  it  suffers  injury  by  each  infraction  of  the  law.  It  was 
many  times  represented  to  the  committee  by  citizens  that  to  do 
otherwise  would  practically  destroy  their  personal  business  and 
woidd  ostracize  them  from  the  business  circles  to  which  they  be- 
long. They  insist  that  they  are  paying  officers  for  the  perform- 
ance of  this,  their  duty,  and  they  believe  that  it  is  the  diity  of  the 
state  either  to  require  the  law  enforcing  officers  of  the  county  to 
perform  their  duty  or  the  state  itself  to  assume  this  responsibility. 
Only  a small  part  of  the  general  public  is  familiar  with  the  laws 
applying  to  the  various  problems  of  commercialized  vice  and  its 
attendant  evils.  This  may  also  be  assigned  as  one  of  the  reasons 
why  the  people  in  general  are  less  active  in  the  enforcement  of 
the  law  than  they  would  otherwise  be.  Testimony  of  nonenforce- 
ment of  laws  follows. 

City  No.  59.  Mr Page  150.  “It  was  a matter  of 

common  knowledge  that  the  segregated  districts,  so-called, 
were  closed  up  so  far  as  the  district  attorney  could  close  them, 
two  or  three  years  ago,  and  I strongly  feel  that  commercialized 
vice  could  be  very  largely  restricted,  if  the  authorities  them- 
selves believed  this  to  be  advisable.  VTe  have  a very  conscien- 
tioiis  chief  of  police — a man  who  is  very  competent  and  who 
believes  as  honestly  as  I believe  anything  that  he  has  found  a 
certain  arbitrary  line  of  morality  that  can  be  enforced  and 
above  or  beyond  that  line  he  feels  it  is  useless  to  act.  Now.  I 
feel  he  could  raise  that  arbitrary  line  materially  in  enforcfhg 
the  law,  and  he  feels  that  he  cannot.  I do  no-t  think  he  is  mak- 
ing any  effort  to  carry  out  the  larv  above  that  arbitrary  line.” 

Dr G.  A.  22.  •“In  one  of  the  interviews  I had 

with  the  district  attorney,  he  said  to  me,  ‘ , Vhat  is 

the  use?’  or  Avords  to  that  effect.  ‘When  you  are  dead  there 
will  be  prostitution.’  And  I ansAvered,  ‘Yes.’  He  was  then 
prosecuting  some  murder  cases  about  that  time  and  I said, 
‘What  is  the  use  of  your  prosecuting  the  murder?  When  you 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


87 


are  dead  tliei'e  will  be  murders.’  ‘Now’,  I said,  ‘All  that  ean 
be  done  is  for  you  to  do  your  duty  and  lessen  the  number  of 
murders  in  the  state,  and  that  is  all  I Avould  like  to  have  you 
do  in  regard  to  prostitution  and  lessen  the  amount  of  prosti- 
tutes in  the  state.’ 

“When  a private  citizen  came  to  me,  as  thev  often  do,  to 
make  complaints,  I said  it  was  our  policy  to  have  the  facts 
submitted  to  the  chief  of  police  and  district  attorney  first,  and 
then,  if  they  could  get  no  action  from  either  of  these  officers, 
we  would  try,  and  do  all  that  it  was  possible  for  us  to  do  as 
private  citizens.  I made  written  complaints  to  the  district 
attorney  and  have  his  acknowledgement  in  Avhich  he  states  that 
he  has  referred  both  of  these  complaints  to  the  police  depart- 
Toent.  He  never  made  anv  further  report  to  me  in  regard  to 
<■10=^.  Our  chief  of  police  has  e’-pros.sed  himself  time  and  again 
1-1  tevnr  eT  an  establisl''ed  district  and  that  district  is  contrary 
to  law.  Then  when  the  chief  of  police  savs  publicly  many 
times  that  he  is  in  favor  of  that  district,  I think  it  is  time  for 
public  citizens  to  see  if  the^r  cannot  get  some  law  enforcement 
without  the  aid  of  the  ch.ief.  Our  society  has  asked  for  an  in- 
junction in  about  seventeen  cases.  We  have  the  records  of 
about  one  hundred  properties — a few  more  than  one  hundred 
houses.  The  chief  of  police  has  expressed  himself  as  being  in 
favor  of  a segregated  district. 

The  Linley  law  specifically  states  that  the  district  attorney 
or  any  citizen  may  invoke  the  injunction.  When  the  district 
attorney  does  not  desire  to  invoke  that,  and  gives  the  specific 
statement  to  me  that  in  substance  we  might  as  well  quit — there 
will  be  prostitution  vdien  we  are  dead — ive  had  no  reason  to 
believe  that  the  district  attorney  would  desire  to  cooperate 
with  us  in  the  enforcement  of  the  Linley  law.  Therefore.  I sa\i^ 
no  reason  Avhy,  as  a citizen.  I should  have  gone  to  the  district 
attorney  to  do  that  thing  Ave  could  do  just  as  Avell  Avithout, 
AAdien  he  Avas  apparently  uiiAvilling  to  act.” 

Page  30.  The  sheriff  testified  that  he  had  made  raids  on  the 
road  houses  and  in  tAvo  cases  found  men  and  AAmmen  in  the  road 
houses  in  bed  and  in  another  case  had  a complaint  of  a young 
man  being  there  and  robbing  and  taking  one  of  the  girls  up- 
stairs— an  inmate  of  the  house.  “We  arrested  them  in  each 
instance  and  they  Avere  founct  guilty  in  each  ease.  I never 
called  upon  the  district  attorney’s  office  or  any  other  office  to 
enforce  the  proAusions  of  the  Linley  laAV  upon  that  subject. 
That  is  up  to  any  citizen.”  Says  he  has  read  the  Linley  laAv 
over  and  knoAA's  the  district  attorney  can  sign  the  complaint. 

The  .sheriff’s  remedy  for  social  evils  or  vice  is:  “Close  the 
public  dance  halls — nail  up  the  Avine  room  doors ; repeal  the 


88  Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

Linley  law ; give  us  segregation  under  police  protection  and 
you  have  the  whole  thing  in  a nutshell.” 

Chief  of  Police.  A37.  “There  were  sixty -nine  houses  of  pros- 
titution in  this  city  the  last  record  we  took  of  them.  This  re- 
cord was  taken  March  21st,  1911.  I do  not  know  of  any 
houses  of  prostitution  in  the  city  at  this  time.  One  of  Ihe  prin- 
cipal rules  at  the  time  of  the  existence  of  the  district  was 
that  no  girl  or  woman  applying  for  admission  to  one  of  these 
places  should  be  admitted  without  first  being  reported  to  the 
police  and  men  detailed  for  that  purpose  would  go  down  there 
and  find  out  who  the  girl  was,  where  she  came  from,  her  age, 
her  history,  whether  she  was  an  experienced  woman  in  that 
line  of  business  or  whether  she  was  innocent.” 

Pa^e  42.  “We  tried  every  way  to  regulate  those  things  so 
they  would  not  interfere  or  impose  themselves  on  decent 
people.  That  had  been  the  custom  here  for  years.” 

Page  44.  The  chief  of  police  states  there  is  an  ordinance 
which  provides  that  no  person  shall  own  or  lease  property  used 
for  these  purposes  (of  prostitution)  also  that  no  owner  or 
lessee  of  the  sixty-nine  houses  of  that  city  had  been  arrested 
for  violating  the  ordinance. 

Mr Page  43.  “I  think,  at  the  present  time, 

neither  the  chief  of  nolice  here  nor  the  sheriff  feels  that  there 
is  any  great  proportion  of  the  citizens  of  the  city  desirous  of 
strict  enforcement  of  these  laws,  and,  of  course,  we  have  had 
one  chief  for  twenty-five  years  and  for  many  years  the  neonle 
apparently  were  satisfied  that  there  should  be  a red  light  dis- 
trict— that  there  should  be  law  violation  and  that  those  who 
wished  to  commit  a crime  could  go  to  that  part  of  the  city  to 
commit  the  crime  aud  it  was  all  riffht,  and  I am  not  very  much 
surprised  the  chief  does  not  readily  change.  There  has  been 
a complaint  against  the  district  attorney’s  office  in  not  carry- 
ing out  the  suirit  of  the  law.  I think  that  is  the  greatest  criti- 
cism I have  heard,  that  the  district  attoruey  prosecutes  these 
cases  without  availing  himself  of  the  Linley  law.  and  conse- 
quently, it  goes  on  as  an  immaterial  cheek  and  the  fine  does 
not  amount  to  anything,  therefore,  no  urngress  is  being  maile 
along  right  reform  lines.  T do  not  think  those  officers  consider 
the  state  at  all— thev  consider  public  sentiment  in  doin"  what 
others  have  done  before  them,  perhaps  in  the  same  position  to 
some  extent.” 


U.  S.  ImmioTation  Officer.  “T  think  that  every 

man  that  has  a positicm  to  enforce  the  law  should  be  under 
civil  service  and  should  be  unimpaired  in  the  enforcement  of 


Rkport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


89 


his  duties,  and  politics  should  have  nothing  to  do  with  it  what- 
ever. ’ ’ 

• 

Miss , page  100.  ‘ ‘ The  great  fault  here  is  the  lax- 

ness of  our  public  officers  in  enforcing  laws  we  have  on  the 
statute  book,  and  I feel  sure  there  Avould  not  be  a house  of 
prostitution  in  town  if  the  district  attorney  would  enforce  the 
Linley  law  that  was  passed  at  the  last  session  of  the  Legisla- 
ture. It  seems  to  me,  in  , if  we  want  to  do  any- 

thing, we  have  to  make  it  a personal  matter.  The  police  chief 
will  say,  ‘ Why ! Enter  your  complaint.  ’,  and  that  means  we 
have  all  the  publicity  of  entering  the  complaint,  in  order'  to 
get  the  law  enforced.” 

Rev , City  No.  30.  “Complaint  has  been  made  to 

the  officers  of  the  city  requesting  them  to  close  these  houses. 
Sometimes  they  replied  that  they  did  not  believe  a majority 
of  the  people  wanted  them  closed.  Sometimes  they  replied 
that  they  were  afraid  of  their  own  necks,  if  they  should  do  it, 
and  they  wanted  to  hold  their  jobs  and  the  higher  officials 
would  not  support  them  in  any  such  action.” 

Dr.  W.  H.  Allen,  Madison.  Page  7.  “It  seems  to  me  that 

among  the  constructive  benefits  that  can  come  from  your  com- 
mission’s work,  if  you  could  really  get  this  state  to  put  its 
police  department  on  an  efficient  basis,  keep  check  as  to 
whether  or  not  a fact  reported  has  been  dealt  with,  and  so  on, 
that  has  to  do  with  the  violation  of  the  law  and  with  the  sup- 
ervision of  the  dance  halls,  much  good  would  result.  There 
is  not  a city  in  the  state  having  a dance  hall  where  girls  and 
boys  are  being  debauched,  that  is  not  known  to  the  police 
officer.  It  is  remarkable  how  these  men  get  this  information. 
We  must  make  it  unsafe  for  the  police  officer  to  keep  secrets 
from  his  chief  or  from  the  mayor  and  the  public,  and  there 
is  a very  definite  line  of  work  that  could  be  worked  out.  I 
think  a provision  could  be  made  for  getting  the  reports  so 
that  at  any  time  a state  officer  could  tell  what  conditions  are 
in  the  communities.  When  a complaint  is  made,  let  the 
persons  write  a note,  perhaps,  an  anonymous  note. 
Anonymous  complaints  are  not  considered  worth  anything 
by  the  police  department.  It  is  one  of  the  most  valuable 
complaints  there  is.  Here  is  a girl  who  has  been  going  out  late 
at  night.  Liquor  is  sold  in  the  place  where  she  has  been.  The 
mother  registers  a request  or  complaint,  and,  if  you  can,  es- 
tablish administrative  procedure,  so  that  it  would  be  a direct 
violation  of  the  law  that  the  mayor  would  not  want  to  risk  and 
the  chief  of  police  would  not  want  to  risk,  make  it  as  serious 


90 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


to  destroy  a complaint  as  it  is  any  other  kind  of  evidence,  have 
a public  record  of  every  complaint  and  have  a,  column  showing 
every  complaint  that  has  not  been  taken  care  of.” 

Enforcement  of  Law. 

THE  injunction  AND  ABATEMENT  LAW. 

On  June  24th,  1913,  an  injunction  and  abatement  law,  known 
as  the  Linley  Law,  was  enacted  by  the  legislature  of  Wisconsin. 
This  law  is  similar  to  the  famous  Iowa  injunction  and  abatement 
law,  although  somewhat  less  effective,  due  to  the  fact  that  district 
attorneys  are  not  required  to  initiate  action.  (See  previous  sec- 
tion on  “Nonenfcrcement  of  the  Law,”  page  84).  A summaiy 
of  the  Linley  law  follows : 

R.  S.  3185b.  That  Avhoever  shall  erect,  establish,  continue, 
maintain,  use,  occupy  or  lease  any  building  or  part  of  any 
building,  erection  or  place  to  be  used  for  the  purpose  of  letvd- 
ness,  assignation  or  prostitution,  or  permit  the  same  to  be  so 
used,  in  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  shall  be  guilty  of  a nuisance, 
and  the  building,  erection  or  place  in  or  upon  Avhich  such 
lewdness,  assignation  or  prostitution  is  conducted,  permitted 
to  be  carried  on,  or  continued,  or  exists,  and  the  furniture, 
fixtures,  musical  instruments  and  contents  used  therewith 
for  such  purposes,  are  declared  a nuisance,  and  shall  be  en- 
joined and  abated. 

R.  S.  3185c.  That  Avhen  a nuisance  as  defined  in  the  aboA'e 
section  exists  in  any  county,  the  district  attorney,  or  any  citi- 
zen of  such  county  may  maintain  an  equitable  action  in  the 
name  of  the  state  and  abate  and  peiqietually  enjoin  and  re- 
strain every  person  guilty  thereof  from  eoutimring,  maintain- 
ing or  permitting  such  nuisance.  Upon  A'erified  complaint  and 
evidence,  A\dien  required  by  the  court  shoAving  the  nuisance  to 
exist,  naming  the  party  guilty,  and  upon  three  days'  notice,  a 
temporaiy  injunction  is  granted  restraining  the  continuance  of 
the  nuisance  until  trial.  If  injunction  is  granted  upon  action 
begun  by  public  officials,  no  bond  is  required.  In  other  cases 
it  is  discretionaiy  AA’ith  the  court. 

R.  S.  3185d.  The  existence  of  a nuisance  as  defined  shall  be 
prima  facie  CAddence  that  the  OAvner  has  permitted  the  premises 
to  be  so  used,  and  the  evidence  of  the  general  reputation  of  the 
place  shall  be  admissible  to  proAm  the  existence  of  such  nui- 
sance. If  a complaint  is  filed  by  a priAuite  citizen,  it  shall  not 


Keport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


91 


be  dismissed  without  the  coiiseut  of  the  court  or  district  at- 
torney, giviug  the  reasons  therefor  under  oath;  and  if  the 
court  is  of  the  opinion  that  the  action  shall  not  be  dismissed 
shall  direct  the  district  attorney  to  prosecute  to  judgment. 
If  the  action  is  brought  by  a citizen  and  there  is  no  reasonable 
ground  or  cause  for  action,  the  costs  are  taxed  against  the 
citizen. 

Section  3185f.  If  the  existence  of  a nuisance  is  established 
in  an  action  under  3185b,  or  in  a criminal  proceeding,  an  or- 
der of  abatement  shall  be  entered  as  a part  of  the  judgment  in 
the  case,  which  order  shall  direct  the  removal  from  the  building 
of  all  furniture,  fixtures,  musical  instruments,  or  movable 
property  used  in  conducting  the  building,  and  shall  direct  the 
same  to  be  sold  under  execution,  and  direct  the  effectual  clos- 
ing of  the  building  or  place,  and  keep  it  closed  for  one  year 
unless  sooner  released  by  the  court.  And  if  any  person  shall 
enter  or  use  the  building  so  closed,  he  shall  be  punished  for 
contempt. 

Section  3185e.  The  party  found  guilty  of  contempt  for  vio- 
lating any  injunction  under  these  provisions,  shall  be  punished 
by  a fine  of  not  less  than  two  hundred  dollars,  nor  more  than 
one  thousand  dollars,  or  by  imprisonment  for  not  less  than 
three  nor  more  than  six  months,  or  by  both  fine  and  imprison- 
ment. 

Section  3185g.  The  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  such  personal 
property  shall  be  applied  to  the  payment  of  costs  in  the  ac- 
tion; the  balance,  if  any,  paid  to  the  defendant,  and  if  the 
owner  of  the  building  is  adjuged  guilty  of  the  nuisance,  judg- 
ment for  costs  shall  constitute  a lien  against  the  property  prior 
to  any  other  lien  created,  after  filing  a notice. 

Section  3185h.  The  owner  of  any  building  may  appear  at 
any  time  after  the  commencement  of  the  action  and  file  a bond 
in  such  sum  and  with  such  sureties  as  the  court  may  recpiire,  to 
the  effect  that  he  will  immediately  abate  the  alleged  nuisance 
that  exists  and  prevent  it  from  being  re-established  within  one 
year,  and  will  pay  the  costs  that  may  be  awarded  against  him. 
Thereupon  the  court  shall  dismiss  the  action  and  revoke  the 
order  made  closing  the  same. 

Working  under  the  provisions  of  this  law,  the  Milwaukee  So- 
ciety for  the  Prevention  of  Commercialized  A^iee  has  done  much 
good  work.  This  is  an  organization  of  citizens,  and  is  financed 
by  subscriptions.  Its  operations  have  been  confined  to  tlie  city  of 
Milwaukee,  and  under  the  leadership  of  Dr.  T.  L.  Harrington, 


92 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


notable  results  have  been  accomplished.  Below  is  given  a sum- 
mary of  this  organization’s  work  up  to  October  20th,  1914. 


SUMMARY  OF  WORK  OP  MILWAUKEE  SOCIETY  FOR  PREVENTION  OF 
COMMERCIALIZE!)  VICE. 


Cases. 

Bonds  for  each. 

Number  temporary 
restraining  orders. 

Other  disposition 
of  cases. 

No.  1 

$5,000 

3,500 

100 

No.  2 

No.  3 

1 

No.  4 

To  insure  costs 

1 

No.  5 

100 

1 

No.  6 

No  bond 

Parties  expelled  and 
action  dismissed 
Defendant  left  state 

No.  7 

No.  8 

1 

No.  9 

Fined  $75  and  costs 

1 

No.  10 

1 

No.  11 

$1,000 

No.  12 

Application  to  be  made 

No.  13 

No.  14 

(<  it  it 

No.  15 

tl  ,t  ti 



No.  16 

f ‘t  it 



An  Investigation  op  the  Working  op  the  Law. 

In  May,  1914,  the  American  Social  Hygiene  Association  made 
an  investigation  of  the  workings  of  the  injunction  and  abateuieut 
law  in  Iowa  and  Nebraska.  This  investigation  is  uudoubicdly 
the  most  careful  and  scientific  study  of  the  effect  of  this  law  in 
communities  where  it  has  been  in  operation  for  some  time  that 
has  been  made.  The  conclusions  of  the  American  Social  Hygiene 
Association  form  a complete  endorsement  of  the  law  and  a rec- 
ommendation for  its  general  adoption  and  strict  enforcement  as 
one  of  the  most  effective  means  of  combating  commercialized  vice. 
A summary  of  this  investigation,  quoted  from  the  Bulletin  of  the 
American  Social  Hygiene  Association  for  Septeniber,  1914,  is 
given  below  as  evidence  of  the  effect  of  the  law  in  other  communi- 
ties and  with  the  hope  that  these  facts  may  stimulate  the  people 
of  Wisconsin  to  see  that  the  law  in  this  state  is  vigorously  en- 
forced. 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee.  93 

Conclusions  prom  a Field  Investigation  op  the  Workings  op 
THE  Injunction  and  Abatement  Law  in  Iowa  and  Ne- 
braska, Made  by  the  American  Social  Hy- 
giene Association,  May,  1914. 

1.  Objections  urged  against  the  law. 

A.  “ Scatter ation.”  This  objection  as  usually  stated  is  that 
the  enforcement  of  the  injunction  laAV  has  not  lessened  the 
evil  of  prostitution,  but  has  scattered  the  prostitutes  all  over 
the  cities,  particularly  into  the  residence  districts,  Avhere  they 
did  not  go  AAdien  the  segregated  districts  were  in  existence. 

The  conclusion  on  this  point  is  that  the  closing  of  segregated 
districts  in  loAva  and  Nebraska  has  lessened  the  evil  of  prosti- 
tution, certainly  in  quality  and  probably  in  quantity.  Com- 
pulsory prostitution,  enslaving  of  the  prostitutes  by  pimps, 
procurers,  madams,  bond  sharks,  and  grafters;  the  traffic  in 
women  and  the  exploitation  of  prostitution,  for  which  a mar- 
ket-place is  necessary,  are  no  longer  found  in  the  cities  of 
those  tAvo  states.  They  flourished  during  the  days  in  which 
segregated  districts  existed. 

While  there  are  no  statistics  on  which  a sure  comparison  can 
be  made  of  the  number  of  prostitutes  noAv  doing  business  in 
the  various  cities  of  those  tAvo  states  Avith  the  number  which 
operated  therein  before  the  closing  of  these  districts,  a sub- 
stantial majority  of  those  intervieAved  believed  that  there  are 
fewer  noAV  than  there  were  before. 

No  evidencfe  Avas  offered  or  found  to  prove  that  there  are 
more  prostitutes  doing  business  outside  the  confines  of  the  seg- 
regated districts  now  than  before  they  Avere  closed.  Abundant 
evidence  Avas  found  to  establish  the  contention  that  segrega- 
tion did  not  segregate  and  that  many  prostitutes,  certainly 
most  of  those  of  the  better  class,  never  lived  in  the  districts, 
but  always  operated  in  the  residence  neighborhoods. 

B.  Blackmail  and  Hardship  to  Property  Owners.  This  objec- 
tion is 'that  the  laAv  opens  the  Avay  for  unscrupulous  adven- 
turers to  harry  and  harrass  oAvners  of  property,  and  also  that 
the  penalties  provided  in  the  injunction  law  are  too  drastic 
and  produce  undue  hardship  to  such  OAvners.. 

The  conclusion  on  this  point  is  that  the  objection  is  abso- 
lutely Avithout  foundation.  In  a careful  examination  of  the 
fifty-tAvo  eases  brought  in  Hes  IMoines,  Omaha  and  Lincoln,  and 
after  consultation  Avith  the  attorneys  general  of  both  states,  the 
county  attorneys  who  brought  the  cases,  at  least  one  judge  be- 
fore AA^iom  they  AAmre  brought,  the  police  departments  which 
secured  the  evidence,  and  with  many  others  familiar  AVith  the 


94 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


woi-kiiigs  of  tills  laiv,  not  n,  single  ease  ivas  found  or  Inid  lieen 
heard  of  in  which  blackmail  had  been  used  or  attempted. 

As  regards  the  penalties  provided  in  the  law,  the  practical 
result  of  its  enforcement  has  been  that  the  owner  has  in  al- 
most every  case  abated  the  nuisance  and  cleared  out  the  ob- 
.jectionable  tenants  immediately  upon,  and  in  some  eases  even 
before,  the  filing  of  the  application  for  injunction.  This  fact, 
together  with  the  further  fact  that  in  only  one  case  out  of  the 
fifty-two  in  Avhich  applications  for  injunctions  have  been  filed 
in  Des  Moines,  Omaha  and  Lincoln,  has  there  been  even  an  at- 
tempt by  the  prostitute  to  continue  her  business  at  the  same 
address  or  anywhere  Avithin  the  judicial  district,  has  obAuated 
the  necessity  of  enforcing  the  penalties  proAuded  in  the  laAv 
against  OAimers.  The  proof  of  ignorance  of  the  conditions  by 
owners  and  the  prompt  abatement  of  the  nuisances  have  se- 
cured in  every  ease  a freedom  from  such  penalties  at  the  hands 
of  the  judges. 

C.  Increase  of  Crimes  Against  Women.  This  objection  is 
that  Avith  the  abolition  of  the  segregated  districts,  the  preda- 
tory male  has  assaulted  Aurtnous  Avomen,  seduced  the  weak, 
and  othei’Avise  satisfied  upon  respectable  Avomen  his  animal 
passions  AAdiich  formerly  found  outlet  Avithin  segregated  dis- 
tricts upon  professional  prostitutes. 

It  is  perhaps  sufficient  to  state,  in  ansAver  to  this  objection, 
that  there  is  not  a shred  of  eAudenee  in  support  of  it ; not  eA’en 
the  bitterest  enemies  of  the  policy  of  the  abolition  of  the  seg- 
regated district  AAdio  Avere  interAueAved  (some  of  them  chiefs 
of  police)  took  any  stock  in  this  argument.  Either  this  objec- 
tion or  the  objection  contained  in  A,  namely,  that  prostitution 
has  not  been  lessened  and  has  been  scattered  throughout  th<^ 
various  cities  by  the  abolition  of  segregated  districts  must 
fall  to  the  ground,  as  they  are  obAuousW  inconsistent. 

2.  Arguments  for  the  law. 

A.  Segregated  districts  impossible  since  passage  of  in  junction 
latv.  The  injunction  law  has  proAmd  immensely  A’aluable  as  a 
legal  instrument  for  Aviping  out  segregated  districts,  as  shown 
by  the  experience  of  Omaha  Avhich,  Ave  are  informed  by  the 
district  attorney,  Avas  duplicated  by  Portland,  Oregon.  The 
mere  existence  of  this  laAv  upon  the  statute  books,  moreoA-er, 
has  influenced  unAvilbng  or  indifferent  public  officials  to  close 
such  districts,  either  bA"  use  of  this  law  or  by  executh'e  action. 

The  best  example  of  this  contention  among  the  cities  in  Iowa 
and  Nebraska  is  Omaha.  In  Omaha,  the  district  was  closed  im- 
mediately after  the  passage  of  the  injunction  laAv,  by  the  police 
and  county  attorney  acting  together — a combination  of  execu- 


Keport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


95 


tive  and  legal  action.  A representative  of  this  Association 
fonnd  by  investigation  on  the  ground  that  the  cities  of  Wash- 
ington, D.  C.,  and  Dnlnth,  Minn.,  have  also  snccessfidly  taken 
such  executive  action  after  the  passage  of  this  laAv.  It  is  evi- 
dent that  the  officials  either  welcomed  this  law  as  a nt^w  wea- 
pon or  were  convinced  that  their  further  refusal  or  neglect  to 
take  action  to  enforce  the  existing  laws  against  snch  places 
woidd  be  met  by  action,  under  the  injunction  law,  by  some  citi- 
zen or  association.  The  fear  of  the  public  disgrace  involved  in 
the  necessity  for  snch  iirivate  action  has  undoubtedly  influ- 
enced law-enforei]ig  officials,  and  can  confidently  be  expected 
to  influence  such  officials  in  the  cities  of  other  states  ivhicli  aro 
consideidng  the  passage  of  snch  a law.  The  fact  that  few  priv- 
ate citizens  have  been  forced  to  use  this  law  is  evidence  of  the 
prompt  response  of  officials  generally  to  an!  aroused  public 
opinion  and  to  the  satisfaction  of  citizens  with  the  efforts  of 
their  officials. 

Aside  from  the  influence  on  officials,  of  the  threat  of  an  ex- 
pose by  private  action,  the  injunction  law  renders  the  rent- 
ing of  houses  by  private  owners  for  such  purposes  within  a 
segregated  district  extremely  hazardous.  A property  owner 
cannot  plead  ignorance  of  the  existence,  on  his  property,  of 
prostitution  which  is  advertised,  open,  and  notorious.  In  self- 
protection,  the  owner  would  have  to  insist  on  the  elimination  of 
all  those  advertising  features  which  make  it  possible  to  pay  for 
protection  monthly  fines  such  as  are  usually  levied  by  the 
police  or  courts,  as  ivell  as  the  vast  amount  of  petty  graft.  In 
this  way  the  districts  would  be  broken  up  even  without  official 
action. 

As  a matter  of  fact,  no  city  Avas  fonnd  in  the  tAvo  states  vis- 
ited, in  AAdiich  there  existed  a segregated  district  where  prosti- 
tution Avas  open  and  notorious. 

B.  Effective  legnl  iv.Hrvmevt.  The  use  of  this  laAV  has  in 
CAmry  instance  resulted  In  the  immediate  and  permanent  clear- 
ing out  of  prostitutes  from  the  addresses  complained  of.  This 
Avas  extremely  difficult  to  accomplish  under  the  criminal  laws, 
because  of  the  delays,  evasions,  change  of  personnel,  and  other 
time-killing  devices  possible  under  such  laws,  and  impossible 
under  the  injunction  laAV.  It  has  not  infrequently  happened 
under  the  administration  of  the  criminal  laAvs  that  numerous 
raids,  arrests,  and  convictions  lasting  over  a period  of  several 
years  have  been  necessary  before  the  business  became  too  un- 
profitable to  run.  Furthermore,  the  injunction  law  places  the 
prostitute  permanently  under  the  control  of  the  court,  whose 
order  forever  prohibits  her  from  practicing  her  profession  anv- 
where  AAdthin  the  judicial  district.  There  is  no  fine  or  impris- 
onment provided  for  the  first  offense,  but  the  penalty  for  in- 


96 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


fraction  of  the  restraining  order  is  so  severe  and  the  method 
of  proof  so  quick  and  easy  (being  without  a jury  and  before 
the  judge  or  court  who  issued  the  order)  that  only  one  prosti- 
tute has  been  found  with  the  temerity  even  to  attempt  to  re- 
new the  practice  of  her  profession  within  the  judicial  district. 
The  state  has  thereby  been  relieved  from  the  disgrace  of  shar- 
ing in  the  proceeds  of  prostitution  through  the  ancient  sys- 
tem of  petty  fines  common  under  the  criminal  laws,  which  only 
stimulated  renewed  activity  on  the  part  of  the  prostitutes  in 
order  to  pay  them. 

C.  Property  owners  now  help  rather  than  hinder  the  elimina- 
tion of  prostitution.  The  injunction  law,  b5'  its  public  declara- 
tion of  the  responsibility  of  property  owners  for  prostitution 
on  their  premises  and  its  provision  for  their  severe  punish- 
ment for  failure  to  accept  that  responsibility,  has  created  a new 
conscience  in  this  class  of  citizens/  and  has  changed  a large 
number  of  them  from  obstructionists  of  law  enforcement  into 
active  allies  of  the  law-enforcing  officials.  Judges,  county  at- 
torneys, and  police  commissioners  testified  that  property 
owners  are  taking  a new  and  lively  interest  in  the  characters 
of  their  tenants.  Our  woman  field  investigator  was  unable  to 
find  real  estate  agents  who  Avere  Avilling  to  rent  to  her  for  the 
avoAved  purpose  of  conducting  a high-class  house  of  prostitu- 
tion. In  many  eases  she  Avas  referred  to  the  OAvner  Avith  the 
explanation  that  owners  were  now  interAueAving  prospectiA’e 
tenants,  and  the  complaint  that  this  practice  had  cut . the 
agent’s  commission  in  half. 

D.  An  effective  weapon  against  “ scatter ation.”  The  injunc- 
tion law  has  severely  checked  and  discouraged  scatteration, 
more  through  its  potential  than  actual  use.  Now  that  prosti- 
tutes can  be  turned  out  on  three  days’  notice,  and  oAvners  of 
property  be  subjected  to  disgrace  and  serious  financial  loss  by 
the  operation  of  this  laAv  in  loAva  and  Nebraska,  prostitution 
as  a business  inAmhdng  fixed  abodes,  costly  equipment,  and 
a substantial  income,  has  been  practically  killed,  according  t j 
the  almost  unanimous  testimony  of  officials,  qualified  citizens, 
and  denizens  of  the  underAvorld.  This  statement  especially 
applies  to  the  better  class  of  residence  neighborhoods  where 
owners  are  more  particular,  because  they  haA^e  more  to  lose  in 
money  and  reputation,  and  AA'here  rents  are  more  expensiA'e 
and  the  necessary  furnishings  more  costly.  Far  from  driving 
prostitutes  into  the  better  class  of  residence  neighborhoods, 
this  laAv  has  operated  to  confine  most  of  those  prostitutes  who 
remained  in  the  cities  after  the  closing  of  segregated  districts, 
to  the  cheaper  transient  hotels  and  apartments*in  the  business 
sections. 


Report  of  ti-ie  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee, 


97 


A Summary  of  the  Answers  to  Questionaires  Sent  to  District 

Attorneys. 

Questionaires  were  sent  to  each  of  the  71  district  attorneys  of 
the  state.  Sixty-three  answered  all  or  a part  of  the  (questions 
listed.  Eight  did  not  reply.  Fifty-seven  stated  the  length  of 
time  they  had  been  in  office  the  average  being  3.9  years. 

It  is  shown  that  practically  all  cases  of  delinquency,  reported 
by  these  district  attorneys  were  among  girls  or  women  who  had 
, had  only  a common  school  education,  practically  none  having  gone 
beyond  the  eighth  grade.  The  avei’age  age  of  such  delinquents 
was  given  as  19.6  yeai'S. 

The  total  number  of  houses  of  ill  fame  reported  by  sixty-two 
district  attorneys  is  only  35,  with  86  inmates,  while  the  records  of 
this  committee  show  over  350  houses  of  ill  fame  in  the  state,  with 
over  1,000  inmates. 

The  district  attorneys  report  that  only  thirty  complaints  were 
made  to  them  against  houses  of  ill  fame. 

The  total  number  of  bastardy  actions  tried  or  brought  to  the 
attention  of  the  district  attorneys  (exclusive  of  Milwaukee 
County)  is  given  as  1071.  Of  this  number  '22  are  stated  to  have 
been  complained  against  for  fornication,  and  40  for  advdtery. 
The  District  Attorney  of  Milwaukee  County  states  that  during 
his  term  of  office,  commencing  in  January,  1913,  he  has  had 
brought  to  his  attention  from  350  to  375  bastardy  cases.  He 
states  further  that  complaints  for  fornication  and  adultery  in 
some  cases  come  under  the  heading  of  lewd  and  lascivious  be- 
havior and  contributing  to  the  delinquency  of  a minor,  and  that 
there  are  so  many  hundreds  of  these  eases  that  it  would  require  a 
great  deal  of  work  to  compile  a correct  statement ; but  that  there 
are  from  two  to  seven  eases  weekly  under  these  headings. 

Forty-two  district  attorneys  state  that  public  sentiment  in 
their  counties  is  in  favor  of  enforcing  moral  laws,  and  eight  state 
that  it  is  opposed  to  the  enforcing  of  such  laws. 

Fourteen  counties  permit  women  in  saloons,  and  forty-three 
counties  prohibit  it. 

Fifty-two  district  attorneys  (the  total  number  replying  to  the 
question)  state  that  women  should  not  be  permitted  in  saloons. 

Tn  regard  to  raising  the  age  of  consent; 


7— V.  c. 


98 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


18  district  attorneys  replied  that  it  should  be  left  as  it  now  is, — 
viz.  14  years. 

5 state  that  it  should  be  raised  to  16  years. 

12  state  that  it  should  be  raised  to  18  years. 

15  state  that  it  should  be  raised  to  18  or  21  years. 

5 state  that  it  should  be  raised  to  21  years. 

Thirty-four  district  attorneys  reported  that  saloons  are  permit- 
ted to  remain  open  on  Sunday,  and  twenty-four  reported  that 
this  practice  is  not  permitted. 

Nine  district  attorneys  reported  that  saloons  are  permitted  to 
remain  open  on  election  daj^  and  forty-five  reported  that  they 
are  not  permitted  to  remain  open. 

Fifty-one  district  attorneys  reported  that  persons  selling  liquor 
to  minors  are  punished,  and  three  that  they  are  not  punished. 

Twenty-seven  district  attorneys  reported  that  licenses  are  re- 
voked by  municipal  authorities  when  they  violate  the  laws  regu- 
lating the  sale  of  liquor,  and  twenty-seven  that  they  are  not  so 
revoked. 

Two  district  attorneys  reported  that  bonds  of  the  saloon  keeper 
are  forfeited  for  violation  of  the  laws  regulating  the  sale  of  liquor, 
and  forty-one  reported  that  they  are  not. 

Twelve  district  attorneys  reqiiire  written  complaint  and  evi- 
dence before  they  will  act,  and  forty-four  district  attorneys  do 
not  make  such  recpiiremeut. 

Prostitution  and  the  Liquor  Traffic. 

Tlie  committee  finds  that  the  chief  direct  cause  of  the  downfall 
of  women  and  girls  is  the  close  connection  between  alcoholic  drink 
and  commercialized  vice.  Women  obtain  liquor  in  iialm  gardens, 
wine  rooms,  saloons  and  dance  halls.  To  these  places  they  are 
frequently  taken  by  their  companions  and  given  lif(Tior  until  their 
senses  are  deadened,  after  which  the  evil  design  sought  is  accom- 
plished. After  the  first  offence  the  career  of  a woman  is  apt  to  Ije 
downward  at  a rapid  rate. 

It  is  found  that  in  communities  of  the  state  where  the  use  of 
intoxicating  licpiors  as  a custom  is  not  condemned,  where  wine 
rooms,  family  entrances  and  palm  gardens  are  adjuncts  of  nearly 
every  saloon,  where  the  frequenting  of  such  places  by  women  and 
girls  is  condoned,  the  immoral  practices  and  dangers  to  young 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin-  Vice  Committee.  99 

girls  are  most  rife.  The  committee  found  tiiat  in  tliese  cities 
many  of  the  saloons  have  exits  to  rear  rooms  or  have  rooms  on  an 
upper  floor  with  direct  connections  with  the  bar,  and  that  such 
rooms  are  supplied  with  beds  and  are  rented  to  patrons  for  im- 
moral purposes,  for  fifty  cents  or  one  dollar.  Women  are  taken 
to  these  wine  rooms  and  saloons  by  men  and  there  they  are  sup- 
plied with  intoxicating  drinks,  and  when  in  a condition  of  stupe- 
faction, are  taken  to  these  inner  rooms  and  immoral  relations  are 
had. 

In  such  places  as  have  been  described,  no  attention  seems  to  be 
paid  to  the  age  of  the  girl  who  is  furnished  the  liquor,  arid  in  most 
of  these  places  but  little  attention  is  paid  to  the  age  of  any  person 
supplied,  whether  male  or  female. 

Of  the  230  girls  in  attendance  at  the  State  Industrial  School 
for  girls,  45%  have  used  liquor.  Only  girls  under  18  years  of 
age  are  admitted,  the  average  age  at  time  of  admittance  being 
15.1  years. 

In  one  of  the  smaller  towns  of  the  state  the  dance  hall  is  over  a 
palm  garden  and  in  direct  connection  with  the  palm  garden.  The 
evidence  is  that  school  boys  and  girls  from  thirteen  to  twenty 
years  of  age  have  frequently  had  school  entertainments  in  this 
hall,  and  that  such  boys  and  girls  of  all  ages  go  down  to  the  palm 
garden  during  the  course  of  the  evening.  The  testimony  of  the 
barkeepers  of  the  palm  garden  was  that  they  sold  to  everyone  and 
“never  bothered  about  their  age,”  though  they  knew  these  chil- 
dren to  be  under  age.  They  further  testified  that,  on  the  Satur- 
day night  previous  to  the  committee  hearing,  they  had  telephoned 
out  for  certain  girls  about  seventeen  years  of  age  to  come  to  this 
saloon  to  meet  a couple  of  strangers  who  happened  to  be  there, 
and  that  the  girls  came.  Tlie  dangers  to  school  chiidren  in  this 
situation  are  obvious,  and  are  not  less  surprising  than  horrible. 

The  evidence  in  another  city  is  that  on  a Saturday  n’gh.t  pi’c- 
vious  to  the  committee  hearing  dances  were  held  in  halls  in  which 
liquor  was  regularly  sold,  in  open  violation  of  the  stati'  law ; that 
in  one  of  these  halls  two  bars  were  required  to  supply  the  demand 
of  the  patrons ; and  that  on  this  particular  Saturday  night,  at 
least  twenty-five  young  girls  under  fifteen  years  of  age  were  seen 
drinking  at  the  bar,  many  of  them  already  in  a drunken  Ciucli- 
tion.  A police  officer  was  in  the  room  at  the  time,  and  had  he  Ik  eii 
so  disposed,  could  have  seen  these  violations  of  positive  state  law. 


100 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


The  oOicer  referred  to  was  called  before  the  committee  and  testi- 
tied  that  he  had  seen  nothing  wrong.  Ilow^ever,  the  person  in 
charge  of  the  hall  admitted  that  there  might  have  been  twenty-five 
of  these  girls  there  dancing  and  drinking,  but  he  stated  that  their 
parents  were  with  them.  Upon  being  questioned  he  was  unable  to 
designate  any  parent  who  was  present.  The  evidence  also  showed 
that  some  of  the  iirominent  people  of  this  city  had  theretofore 
complained  of  this  use  of  the  hall,  because  the  patrons  of  this 
place  spewed  upon  and  befouled  the  property  of  these  citi- 
zeus.  Still,  in  defiance  of  these  legitimate  protests,  this  practice 
was  pei-mitted  to  continue.  This  city,  according  to  the  evidence 
of  nivestigator,  has  more  immorality  among  its  young  girls  and 
women  than  any  other  city  in  the  state.  In  addition  to  the  con- 
ditions mentioned  in  this  paragraph,  thei’e  are  several  open 
houses  of  prostitution,  protected  and  recognized  by  tlie  of- 
ficials of  that  city,  in  defiance  of  the  ordinances  of  that  city  and 
the  laws  of  the  state. 

Not  only  do  we  find  that  liquor  is  the  immediate  cause  of  the 
downfall  of  a very  large  percentage  of  girls,  but  also  that, 
once  they  have  started  upon  a life  of  immorality,  they 
become  addicted  to  the  use  of  alcohol  and  that,  when  they  finally 
become  inmates  of  a house  of  prostitution,  alcoholic  drink  is  one 
of  the  cliief  adjuncts  to  their  business.  Every  recognized  bouse 
of  ill-fame  has  liquor  for  sale,  and  not  one  of  them  has  been  found 
to  liave  a local  license  for  such  sale.  Nevertheless,  the  liquor  is 
openly  delivered  to  such  places,  the  officials  of  the  city  apparently 
never  seeing  that  it  is  so  done.  At  least,  the  keepers  of  these  re^ 
sorts  are  not  molested  in  this  illegal  sale  of  liquor.  Evidence  be- 
fore this  committee  shows  that  in  most  cases  they  have  paid  the 
tax  required  by  the  government. 

In  most  of  the  houses  of  ill-fame,  beer  is  sold  at  one  dollar  a 
bottle,  and  every  inmate  is  urged  to  ply  the  sale  of  this  liquor, 
as  one  of  the  phases  of  her  business,  receiving  a commission  of 
fen.  cents  per  bottle.  It  is  said  by  some  witnesses  that  without 
the  use  of  liquor  and  drugs  inmates  could  not  endure  the  life  of 
prostitution  even  as  long  as  they  do. 

Testimony  received  in  one  city  where  the  mayor  attempted  to 
stop  the  sale  of  liquor  states  that  the  madams  or  proprietors  of 
bouses  of  ill-fame  protested  to  the  mayor  that  without  the  sale  of 


Heport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


iol 


liquor  they  could  not  make  the  busiuess  pay,  and  tliat  as  a result 
of  the  prohibition  their  business  had  decreased  about  oiiedialf. 

Report  of  the  Hartford  Commission,  1913,  page  74.  “As 

sources  of  misery  to  our  citizens,  the  Ji(iuor  traffic  and  pros- 
titution go  hand  in  hand.  If  you  want  to  find  where  prostitu- 
tion dwells,  inquire  at  some  of  the  saloons.  The  barkeeper, 
though  unaw'ares,  has  been  a good  informer  for  the  commis- 
sion. If  you  want  to  see  women  in  the  role  of  prostitutes  at 
their  worst,  go  to  some  of  the  saloons.  Sexual  crimes  often 
have  their  origin  in  the  excitement  of  the  drinking  cup.  Al- 
cohol is  the  drug  used  to  stupify  the  conscience  of  the  novice. 
Rooms  over  saloons  or  connected  Avith  them  are  among  the 
most  serviceable  places  for  prostitution.’’ 

Report  of  the  Pittsburg  Commission,  1913.  “The  rear  rooms 
of  saloons  Avhere  women  are  allowed  to  congregate  and  drink 
with  men,  along  Avith  the  so-called  cafe  and  roof  gardens,  are 
perhaps  the  Avorst  menace  to  public  morals  uoav  flourishing.  In 
many  of  these  places  minors  are  permitted.  The  obnoxious 
cabaret  shoAV  is  becoming  a feature  and  will  soon  flourish  unless 
the  present  tendencies  are  drastically  checked.  The  License 
Court  can  and  should  end  both  evils.  The  illegal  sale  of  licpior, 
Avhich  was  the  most  ciying  evil  complained  of  by  investigators 
of  the  red  light  district,  Avas  also  one  of  the  principal  soui'ces  of 
revenue,  beer  being  sold  in  quantities  at  $1.00  a bottle.’’ 

Chicago  Vice  Report,  page  119.  “As  a contributory  influ- 
ence to  immorality  and  the  business  of  prostitution,  there  is 
no  interest  so  dangerous  and  so  i)OAverful  in  the  city  of  Chi- 
cago. While  some  of  the  liquor  interests  have  gone  on  re- 
cord as  in  favor  of  the  elimination  of  the  sale  of  liquor  in  con- 
nection Avith  prostitution,  in  spite  of  this  fact,  hundreds  of 
prostitutes  are  permitted  and  encouraged  in  no  less  than  236 
saloons  investigated  by  the  commission.  Many  of  these  dis- 
orderly saloons  are  frequented  by  immoral  Avomen,  Avho  openly 
solicit  for  drinks  and  for  immoral  purposes,  and  receive  the 
protection  of  the  saloon  keepers  and  interests. 

“The  commission  is  strongly  convinced  that  there  should  be 
immediate  and  complete  separation  of  the  saloon  and  the  social 
evil,  and  that  no  house  of  assignation  or  jirostitution  or  rooms 
above  or  adjoining  should  be  alloAved  in  connection  Avith  a 
saloon. 

“Bawdy  houses  found  by  the  commission  Avere  appalling 
enough,  but  the  abuse  of  liquor  selling  privileges  is  equal  in 
viciousness,  through  its  open  and  alluring  flaunting  of  vice 
and  degeneracy,  and  in  its  destruction  of  the  moral  character 
of  men  Avho  frequent  the  saloon  primarily  for  drinking  only. 


102 


Report  of  tHE  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


"In  many  cases  public  dance  iialls  are  located  in  the  same 
building'  with  saloons.  The  dancers  have  been  seen  to  I're- 
ipient  me  rear  room  or  saloons.  In  other  cases  the  dance  halls 
are  in  tlie  immediate  vicinity  oi  saloons  and  the  dancers  go 
to  these. 

“Many  of  the  women  who  frequent  the  saloons  at  the  be- 
ginning are  not  proxessionai  prosuiutes.  They  are  weak  mor- 
ally, with  a strong  desire  for  drink.  They  learn  that  gener- 
ous men  are  there  who  are  Avilling  to  buy  them  drinks.  Grad- 
ually these  women  find  that  they  are  able  to  earn  commissions 
from  the  saloon  management,  on  drmks.  Thus,  the  visits  be- 
come more  frequent,  until  they  gradually  drift  into  a life  ot 
prostitution  for  the  extra  money. 

“The  sale  of  beer  in  the  rear  rooms,  when  drunk  in  com- 
pany with  a prostitute,  returns  a margin  ot  profit  of  nearly 
180  per  cent  to  the  proprietor  of  the  saloon,  and  the  margin 
of  profit  on  beer,  when  sold  to  occupants  of  assignation  rooms 
over  saloons  is  360  iier  cent  profit.  Most  of  these  saloons  are 
under  the  control  or  ownership  of  breweries,  and  this  com- 
mission was  so  strongly  impressed  with  the  evils  of  the  saloon 
in  its  effect  upon  morals  that  they  made  the  following  recom- 
mendations in  regard  to  it. 

The  enforcement  of  laws  and  regulations : 

“Prohibiting  the  harboring  of  prostitutes  and  disorderlv 
persons  in  saloons. 

“Prohibiting  wine  rooms  and  stalls  in  saloons. 

“Prohibiting  assignation  rooms,  houses  of  prostitution,  and 
hotels  in  connection  with  saloons. 

“Prohibiting  dances  in  buildings  where  there  is  a saloon. 

“That  no  woman  Avithout  male  escort  should  he  permitted 
in  saloons. 

“That  no  paid  or  professional  escort  for  Avomen  should  he 
permitted  in  a saloon. 

“That  no  solicitation  for  drinks  or  for  prostitution  purposes 
by  men  or  Avomeii  should  be  permitted  in  saloons. 

“That  no  immoral  or  vulgar  dances  or  entertainments 
should  be  given  in  any  room  connected  Avith  saloons. 

“That  the  ordinances  prohibiting  Avine  rooms  should  he 
strictly  enforced,  and  any  attempt  to  proAude  booths,  screens, 
curtains  about  tables  in  rear  rooms  of  saloons  should  be  imme- 
diately suppressed. 

“That  all  connections  leading  to  rooms  OA’er  saloons  from 
any  part  of  the  saloon  should  he  immediately  and  permanently 
closed. 

“That  no  intoxicating  liquors  he  sold  at  any  public  dance. 

“That  a A-iolation  of  any  of  these  rules  should  permanently 
revoke  the  license.” 


Report  of  the  WisconsiI^  Vice  Committee. 


103 


Minneapolis  Report,  page  75.  “AVhile  women  have  been 
generally  excluded  from  saloons,  there  are  so-called  cafes  in 
the  city  whose  operations  are  so  flagrantly  opposed  to  good 
public  morals  as  to  suggest  strongly  the  necessity  for  official 
action.  These  places,  ostensibly  restaurants,  cater  almost  ex- 
clusively to  the  ‘wet  goods’  trade.  In  practice  they  provide 
rendezvous  for  large  numbers  of  prostitutes  and  their  part- 
ners. In  some  eases  music  is  furnished  as  an  additional  at- 
traction. These  places  are  rapidly  transforming  a respectable 
retail  business  street  into  a tenderloin  district.” 


: CAUSES  OP  PROSTITUTION. 

Mental  Defects. 

The  correlation  between  feeble-mindedness  and  prostitution 
is  a feature  in  the  problem  of  sexual  immorality  that  has,  during 
recent  years,  commanded  much  attention.  The  facts  which  have 
come  to  light  in  every  investigation  of  this  correlation  have  been 
so  startling  that  students  of  the  subject  are  now  willing  to  admit 
that  the  mentally  defective  make  up  a very  large  portion  of  pro- 
fessional prostitutes.  Estimates  have  been  made  ranging  from 
very  conservative  statements  of  25  per  cent  to  less  conservative 
statements  of  60  and  70  per  cent.  The  truth  undoubtedly  lies 
between  these  extremes. 

Not  only  does  the  mental  defect  often  take  the  form  of  sexual 
perversion  and  abnormal  sex  impulses,  but  the  feeble-minded  girl, 
not  able  to  take  results  into  consideration,  not  keen  enough  to 
foresee  the  consequences  of  immoral  acts,  and  too  ignorant  of  her 
own  body  to  understand  the  meaning  of  her  feelings  and  the  re- 
sults which  attend  relaxation  from  a normal  standard,  falls  an 
easy  prey  in  the  hands  of  a seducer. 

Perhaps  one  of  the  worst  phases  of  the  whole  problem  of  feeble- 
mindedness is  the  fact  that  many  defective  children  are  con- 
tributed through  the  immorality  of  the  men  that  take  advantage 
of  feeble-minded  women.  The  startling  figures  indicating  the 
increase  of  the  number  of  feeble-minded  persons  in  European 
countries  and  in  the  United  States  has  aroused  many  people  to 
enthusiastic  action  under  the  name  of  eugenics.  It  is  said  that 
feehle-mindedness  is  increasing  in  London  at  more  than  twice 
the  ratio  of  the  total  population.  Probably  the  same  can  be  said 


i04  ilEPORi’  OR  thR  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


o£  the  large  eitie.s  of  the  United  States.  To  the  unskilled  ob- 
observer,  feeble-mindeduess  is  not  apparent,  but  the  psychologist 
applying  scientific  tests  discovers  the  defect  in  the  mental  opera- 
tions. In  some  of  the  following  paragraphs  are  given  the  find- 
ings of  the  psychologists  at  the  Bedford  reformatory  and  also 
the  statements  of  psychologists  included  in  the  report  of  the 
Massachusetts  Commission  on  White  Slavery. 

There  is  one  general  criticism  which  should  be  made  before 
considering  the  statements  on  feeble-mindedness  in  the  following 
paragraphs.  This  is  the  fact  that  there  is  an  initial  process  of 
elimination  which  takes  place  before  the  persons  subjected  to  the 
tests  come  into  the  hands  of  the  investigators.  That  is,  only  such 
t)rostitutes  as  have  been  committed  to  in.stitutious  are  examined 
by  these  tests.  It  is  not  unlikely  that  the  least  keen  and  intelli- 
gent of  immoral  women  are  the  ones  that  receive  commitment, 
leaving  the  more  able-minded  outside  the  i-ange  of  investigation. 
If  it  were  possible  to  examine  a sufficiently  large  number  of  pros- 
titutes without  this  prior  elimination  the  figures  for  feeble- 
mindedness might  be  different.  The  figures,  therefore,  must  be 
considered  as  representing  the  mentality  of  those  examined,  and 
not  necessarily  accurate  for  all  pro.stitutes.  The  ^Massachusetts 
report  places  the  percentage  of  feeble-minded  prostitutes  at  -31 
per  cent,  whereas  the  Bedford  report  places  tlie  percentage  at 
2!). 8 per  cent. 

Mass.  Report,  p,.  28.  The  Binet  tests  were  applied  to  2S9 
of  tlie  300  women  examined,  and  other  psychological  tests 
were  used  in  doubtful  cases. 


TABLE  XO.  1.— THE  SIEXTALITT  OF  THE  PROSTITUTE. 


Examined  at- 

Prisons. 

Detention 
house,  await- 
Inff  trial. 

Tndu.sti'ial 
schools . 

Totals. 

Per  cent. 

I’eeble-m'nded  ... 

46 

54 

1.-4 

51 

Tiisaiif* 

4 

11 

3 

Norm.l 

42 

.54 

39 

135 

45 

Tola! 

100 

100 

100 

300 

The  above  table  shows  that  of  the  300  prostitutes,  154,  or 
51  per  cent.,  were  feeble-minded.  All  doubtful  cases  were 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


105 


recorded  as  normal.  The  mental  defect  of  these  154  Avomen 
AA'as  so  prononneed  and  evident  as  to  Avarrant  the  legal  com- 
mitment of  each  as  a feeble-minded  person  or  as  a defective 
delinquent. 

At  the  Massachusetts  School  for  the  Feeble-Minded  there 
are  an  equal  nunibeh  of  Avomen  and  girl  inmates,  medically 
and  legally  certified  as  feeble-minded,  aaOio  are  of  equal  or  su- 
perior mental  capacity. 

The  Avomen  in  this  group  as  a class  came  from  shiftless,  im- 
moral and  degenerate  families;  they  AAmre  industx'ially  ineffi- 
cient, as  shoAvn  by  the  Ioav  Avages  received,  and  by  their  in- 
ability to  retain  a position,  even  in  unskilled  callings;  they 
Avere  very  deficient  in  judgment  and  good  sense ; thej^  lacked 
ordinary  genei’al  knoAvledge  and  practical  information,  as  Avell 
as  ability  to  perform  simple  computations,  or  to  read  or  Avritc, 
except  in  the  most  elementary  Avay. 

The  general  moral  insensibility,  the  boldness,  egotism  and 
vanity,  the  love  of  notoriety,  the  lack  of  shame  or  remorse, 
the  absence  of  even  a pretense  of  affection  or  sympathy  for 
their  oAvn  children  or  for  their  parents,  the  desire  for  imme- 
diate pleasure  Avithout  regard  for  consequences,  the  lack  of 
forethought  or  anxiety  about  the  future, — all  cardinal  symp- 
toms of  feeble-mindedness, — Avere  strikingly  eA'ident  in  every 
one  of  the  154  Avomen. 

The  mental  inferiority  of  many  of  these  Avomen  Avas  masked 
by  the  glibness  of  tongue,  the  bold  and  confident  manner,  and 
the  attractive  i)hysical  appearance  Avhich  are  so  often  found 
in  such  cases.  The  general  appearance  and  bearing  of  many 
Avould  not  suggest  feeble-mindedness  to  an  inexperienced  ob- 
server. 

The  mental  age  of  these  154  Avomen  and  girls,  as  measured 
by  the  Binet  scale,  Avas  as  folloAvs, — 

None  had  the  mentality  of  a 12-year-old  child. 

10  had  the  mentality  of  an  11-year-old  child. 

67  had  the  mentality  of  a 10-year-old  child. 

50  had  the  mentality  of  a 9-year-old  child. 

8 had  the  mentality  of  a 7-year-old  child. 

The  135  Avomen  designated  as  normal,  as  a class  were  of 
distinctly  inferior  intelligence.  More  time  for  study  of  these 
Avomen,  more  conii)lete  histories  of  their  life  in  the  community, 
and  opportunity  for  more  elaborate  i).syehological  tests  might 
verify  the  belief  of  the  exaniiners  that  many  of  them  also  Avere 
feeble-minded  or  insane. 

The  mental  age  of  the  135  Avomen  rated  as  normal,  as  meas- 
ured by  the  Binet  scale,  Avas  as  follows : 

17  had  the  mentality  of  a 12-year-old  child. 

71  had  the  mentality  of  an  11 -year-old  child. 


106 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


32  had  the  mentality  of  a 10-year-old  child. 

4 had  the  mentalitj'  of  a 9-year-old  child. 

11  were  not  tested. 

Some  of  the  Avomen  seen  at  the  Detention  House  AA'cre  so 
under  the  influence  of  drugs  or  alcohol  as  to  make  it  impos- 
sible to  study  their  mental  condition.  Others  at  the  Deten- 
tion House  and  in  the  prisons  had  used  alcohol  to  excess  for 
years,  and  in  the  time  available,  it  Avas  impossible  to  differen- 
tiate betAAmen  alcoholic  deterioration  and  mental  defect.  These 
drunken,  alcoholic  and  drug-stupefied  AA’omen  Avere  all  record- 
ed as  normal. 

Bedford  Report,  page  186.  Mentality:  Of  peculiar  value, 
in  AueAV  of  the  public  interest  in  the  question  of  mental  de- 
fect as  a cause  of  delinquency,  is  a study  of  the  mentality  or 
our  647  Avomen.  TAventy  haAm  been  pronounced  insane,  by 
commissions  in  lunacy,  and  haA-e  been  transferred  to  asylums 
for  the  insane.  Three  others  will  probably  have  to  be  trans- 
ferred r 107  Avere  unhesitatingly  pronouned  distinctly  feeble- 
minded. Not  all  of  our  647  cases  haA'e  been  examined  bv  our 
nsvchologist.  One  hundred  and  sixteen.  howeA-er.  had  had 
laboratory  tests  of  A^arious  sorts.  Among  these  tests,  all  haA'c 
been  given  the  Binet  test.  The  result  has  been  as  follows : 

Mentality  by  Binet  Test. 


ShoAving  mentality  of  5-year-old  child  2 

ShoAving  mentality  of  6-year-old  child 1 

ShoAving  mentality  of  7-Amar-o1d  child  6 

f^hoAving  mentality  of  8-year-old  child  6 

Showing  mentality^  of  9-year-old  child  29 

ShoAving  mentalitA*  of  Ifl-A'ear-old  child  44 

ShoAving  mentalitA'  of  11-A’ear-old  child  26 

SboAvincf  mentality  of  n2-year-old  child  2 

nirr  I'  — , * 

" 116 


The  44  AAdio  hav'e  the  mentality  of  a ten-year-old  child  and 
under  Avere  unhesitatingly  pronounced  mentally  defectiA'c. 
The  72  ghoAving  mentalitA-  f7’oui  ten  to  tweBm  years  maA-  po«- 
sibh^  not  be  so  called.  The  67  others  included  among  the  107 
are  those  so  mentally  defeettye  that  there  can  be  no  question 
as  a.  matter  of  observation.  Fifty-tAvo  others  are  distincth' 
border  line  cases.  This  is  the  group  which  giA'es  the  most 
trouble  in  all  reformatoiw  institutions.  It  is  safe  to  say  that 
90  per  cent  of  all  disciplinary  difficulties  come  from  cases  of 
this  sort.  ThcA’-  can  be  easily  dhuded  into  at  least  two  croups. 
Thus  divided,  26  are  girls  aaTio  can  be  taught  A'ery  little  in 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


107 


school,  whose  general  intelligence  is  low,  bnt  who  may,  per- 
haps, be  able  to  learn  a certain  amount  of  manual  labor;  these 
cannot  “stay  good”  any  length  of  time.  The  other  26  are 
those  who  do  well  in  school,  are  capable  of  mastering  even 
such  subjects  as  algebra  and  bookkeeping,  but  have  no  moral 
sense  or  continuity  of  purpose.  Eleven  others  are  also  prop- 
erly in  this  class,  but  differ  from  the  two  preceding  groups 
in  the  character  of  their  stability.  If  they  Avere  boys,  they 
Avould  be  tramps.  They  ai-e  all  girls  aaTio  have  run  away  from 
home,  sometimes  a number  of  times,  as  well  as  from  any  place 
AAdiere  they  are  put  to  service. 

The  foregoing  figures  mean  that  193  individuals,  or  29.8 
per  cent  of  the  number  studied  are  decidedly  mentally  defec- 
tive. This  is  an  extremely  conservative  estimate. 


AUE  OF  first  sex  OFFENSE. 


P.  79 
Phila- 
delphia. 

P.  .33 
Massachu- 
setts. 

P.  216 
Bedford . 

Wisconsin. 

Morals 

court. 

Chicago. 

Total  examined 

99 

241 

300 

230 

126 

Age 

No. 

No. 

No. 

1 

15 

3 

11 

8 

1 

u 

2 

9 

4 

13 

20 

12 

14 ;... 

4 

39 

29 

15 ^ .... 

13 

^3 

43 

16 

')•> 

33 

61 

17 .... 

12 

24 

40 

Under  18 

54  or  54.5% 

171  or  71% 

19.3  or  61.. 3% 

40  or  67  i% 

77  77.7% 

206  85% 

271  90.3% 

Average  age  of  those 

15.5  yrs. 

14.1  yrs. 

13.2  yrs. 

14.1  yrs. 

Average  age  of  those 

16.4  yrs. 

1(>.3  yrs. 

Average  age  of  all 

18.3  yrs. 

16.4  yrs. 

17  yrs. 

24.9  yrs. 

Average  mental  age.. 

10  yrs. 

11.3  yrs. 

10  yrs. 

11.6  jrs. 

In  order  to  reduce  the  number  of  feeble-minded  persons  at 
large  in  the  community,  proper  educational  facilities  should  be 
provided,  and  thorough  tests  given  in  every  public  school  from  the 
primary  grades  through  the  high  school.  In  this  Avay  many  cases 
of  mental  difficulty  Avould  early  be  brought  to  the  attention  of 
authorities  and  might  be  committed  to  proper  institutions  before 
damage  to  society  and  to  the  individual  had  been  accomplished. 
Attention  to  such  cases  is  nOAV  being  given  in  many  of  the  most 
progressive  communities  of  this  country,  and  one  of  the  strong- 
est hopes  for  a more  efficient  and  more  intelligent  generation  lies 


108 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


ill  the  fact  that  there  is  a possibility  of  preventing  feeble-minded 
men  and  women  from  reproducing.  The  damage  which  has  been 
done  by  the  do  nothing  policy  in  regard  to  defective  persons  is 
no  longer  excusable.  In  view  of  the  rapid  development  which 
has  taken  place  in  the  science  of  psychologj’,  society  now  has 
at  hand  tlie  means  of  eliminating  the  mentally  unfit  and  has  tlie 
sanction  of  the  public  to  jilace  them  in  institutions  where  their 
own  welfare  and  the  welfare  of  the  community  as  a whole  can  be 
protected. 


Indirect  Causes  of  Prostitution. 

Some  causes  greatly  contributing  to  the  conditions  which  ren- 
der the  fall  of  girls  and  women  into  prostitution  po.ssible  are 
not  aiiparent  to  the  casual  observer  and  may  be  termed  indirect. 
Some  of  these  factors  are  ignorance  of  sexual  phenomena,  eco- 
nomic conditions,  industrial  conditions,  parental  ignorance  and 
neglect,  commercialized  amusements  and  sensational  and  lurid 
newspaper  stories  and  novels. 

Dr.  Betfel,  page  80.  “In  regard  to  the  greatest  cause  of 
the  downfall  of  girls,  I am  rather  inclined  to  think  that,  aside 
from  the  moral  view  of  the  problem,  the  greatest  cause  of 
the  downfall,  not  only  of  girls,  but  of  all.  is  physical  exhaus- 
tion,— overwork.  It  is  physical  exhaustion  rather  than  the 
other  side.  1 believe  it  is  commonly  recognized  that  so  many 
i f the  domestics  fall  because  of  the  fact  that  they  are  work- 
ing and  therefore  the  power  of  inhibition  diminishes  so  that 
when  they  might  otherwise  feel  .strong  and  powerful,  the.v 
are  not.  A strong  ])owerful  physical  man  or  woman  is  not 
as  a rule  the  one  that  is  disobedient  to  the  so-called  moral 
laws,  but  it  is  in  fact  the  men  and  women,  both,  who  are  over- 
worked, that  succumb  to  these  desires.” 

Ignorance  of  Sexual  Phenomena. 

It  is  difficult  to  believe  that  many  women  would  willingly  enter 
a life  of  prostitution,  if  they  were  fully  aware  of  all  the  results 
and  dangers  attending  such  a career.  Many  of  the  greatest 
dangers  to  young  girls  arise  out  of  ignorance  or  misunderstanding 
of  the  physical  phenomena  which  take  place  at  puberty.  The 
strange  emotions  and  impulses  which  attend  the  passage  from 
childhood  into  womanhood  are  so  gravely  misunderstood  and  so 
constant  in  their  demands  for  expression,  tiiat  many  girls  are  led 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee.  169 

into  dangerous  forms  of  amusement  and  recreation  in  attempt- 
ing to  satisfy  these  physical  and  social  needs.  The  emotions 
which  the  ignorant,  unsophisticated,  adolescent  girl  mistakes  for 
that  which  she  calls  “love”  often  lead  to  immature  and  dangerous 
love  alfairs,  frequently  resulting  in  the  loss  of  virtue.  This  is 
especially  apt  to  occur  when  the  girl  is  permitted  great  freedom 
in  choosing  her  male  companions,  for  in  every  city  there  are  nu- 
merous men  who  are  waiting  to  take  advantage  of  just  such 
foolish  and  misdirected  girls  as  these.  The  psychology  of  the 
sexual  emotions  is  so  intimately  interwoven  with  the  psychology 
of  the  emotion  of  love  that  it  is  impossible  for  an  untrained  and 
unsophisticated  mind  to  separate  and  distinguish  between  them. 
Consequently,  when  the  emotions  of  a young  girl  are  aroused 
and  brought  to  the  surface  by  an  exj^erienced  and  selfish  nian,  it 
becomes  a comparatively  easy  task  to  complete  the  downfall  of 
the  girl. 

The  whole  question  of  ignorance  of  sexual  phenomena  and  par- 
ental ignorance  and  neglect  are  so  interwoven  that  they  cannot 
be  separated  and  treated  as  independent  subjects.  Until  very 
recently  the  majority  of  parents  have  felt  that  no  definite  in- 
formation regarding  sexual  matters  need  be  given  to  either  boys 
or  girls.  Just  how  such  an  attitude  of  mind  could  have  arisen 
is  somewhat  obscure,  but  it  may  have  had  its  roots  in  the  teach- 
ings of  the  early  Christian  Church,  which  pointed  to  the  body 
as  something  to  be  debased  and  neglected  for  the  sake  of  spiritual 
life.  The  teachings  of  the  early  chTirch  fathers  were  in  many 
cases  conducive  to  an  attitude  of  shame  whenever  any  (piestion  of 
sex  was  involved.  But,  regardless  of  the  source  of  this  “con- 
.spiraey  of  silence,”  there  can  be  no  question  as  to  the  great  dam- 
age it  has  done  the  race,  especially  under  the  present  highly  com- 
plex civilization,  and  it  is  a consciousness  of  these  disastrous  re- 
sults that  has  led  to  the  general  change  of  opinion  on  the  part 
of  parents  regarding  the  instruction  of  sons  and  daughters  as  fo 
their  sexual  natures.  It  was  formerly  believed  that  to  say,  “Thou 
shalt  not,”  w^as  sufficient,  leaving  the  reasons  and  causes  and  re- 
sults in  the  dark.  It  is  now  the  opinion  of  the  best  authorities 
and  most  intelligent  portion  of  the  public,  that  it  is  the  duty  of 
parents  to  give  some  instruction  and  some  warning  to  their  chil- 
dren, especially  at  the  time  when  active  sexual  life  begins,  that  is, 
at  puberty.  It  should  never  be  possible  for  a daughter  or  sou 
to  say,  ‘ ‘ My  parents  never  told  me.  I did  not  know.  ’ ’ 


ilO  Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

Parental  Control. 

The  egotism  and  self-assertion  which  develoj)  in  young  jjeople 
at  this  particular  stage  of  physical  and  mental  life  makes  it  more 
difficult  and  troublesome  for  the  parents  to  maintain  control  of 
their  actions.  Just  at  the  time  when  the  girl  should  be  most  sub- 
ject to  the  guidance  of  her  parents,  she  insists  upon  having  her 
own  way  and  upon  choosing  her  companions  as  she  wills,  and  go- 
ing to  places  of  her  own  choice.  Perhaps  in  the  majority  of 
cases  the  parents  completely  misunderstand  the  strange  actions 
and  insubordination  of  their  daughter  and  put  checks  upon  her 
which  tend  to  deny  her  the  sort  of  social  experience  that  she 
craves  and  needs.  The  result  is  that  self-assertion  and  willful- 
ness cause  such  a breach  between  the  parents  and  the  daughter 
that  the  control  and  direction  of  the  mother  and  father  are  com- 
pletely suspended,  if  not  permanently  lost.  This  desire  for  self- 
expression  on  the  part  of  the  daughter  leads  her  to  conspicuous 
conduct  on  the  streets,  especially  when  she  is  supported  by  other 
companions  of  like  age  and  mind,  drawing  the  attention  of  j’oung 
men,  who  cultivate  an  acquaintance  and  gradually  develop  a 
love  affair  which,  if  successful,  furnishes  a very  grave  menace  to 
the  chastity  of  the  girl.  It  is  improbable  that  these  so-called 
wayward  daughters  actively  and  willingly  consent  to  the  fate  that 
too  often  awaits  a moral  breach.  Some  women  who  have  fallen 
and  become  professional  prostitutes  have  testified  before  this  com- 
mittee that  they  “just  wanted  to  be  bad.”  Far  from  the  truth, 
this  is  a naive  expression  of  the  natural  desire  which  healthy, 
normal  girls  have  for  a form  of  self-expression,  which,  under  the 
customs  of  our  civilization,  must  be  denied  until  a woman  is 
twenty  or  twenty-one  years  of  age,  that  is,  until  marriage.  It  is 
to  be  noted  and  deplored  that  the  very  women  in  whom  these 
emotional  disturbances  and  strong  desires  for  the  experiences  of 
love  are  present  are  often  the  very  ones  who  would  make  the  most 
valuable  wives  and  mothers,  and  yet,  because  they  misunderstand 
and  misconstrue  their  impulses,  they  are  laid  open  to  the  worst 
sort  of  dangers. 

The  Attitude  op  the  Church  and  Public  Schools. 

The  silence  of  the  public  schools  and  churches  is  more  easily 
explained.  First  of  all,  no  adequate  experiment  has  been  made 


Hepoiit  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee, 


111 


as  to  methods  of  teaching  sexual  hygiene,  nor  as  to  the  suitable 
content  of  such  instruction.  There  have  been  sporadic  experi- 
ments here  and  there  in  the  United  States,  which  have  claimed 
a degree  of  success,  but  which  have  not  extended  over  a sufficient 
length  of  time  and  which  have  not  been  examined  with  sufficient 
critical  care  to  merit  the  general  endorsement  of  educators.  Con- 
sequently, public  schools  and  churches  cannot  be  accused  of  a real 
neglect  of  duty  in  this  particular.  However,  the  time  is  at  hand 
when  the  foremost  educators  and  social  workers  are  asking  that 
full  instruction  in  sex  hygiene  be  given  to  all  teachers  who  are 
being  prepared  in  normal  schools  and  universities,  and  the  same 
also  applies  to  ministers  who  are  being  trained  in  theological  sem- 
inaries. Teachers  should  be  furnished  with  the  information 
which. would  make  it  possible  for  them  to  understand  the  phenom- 
ena which  they  will  see  in  their  pupils,  especially  at  the  time  of 
puberty,  and  ministers  should  be  furnished  with  the  facts  of  the 
causes  of  prostitution,  the  dangerous  elements  in  commercialized 
amusements,  the  fundamentals  of  sexual  psychology  and  other 
knowledge  which  would  enable  them  to  be  of  material  assistance 
to  the  young  people  who  look  to  them  for  certain  spiritual  guid- 
ance. . i,  , , 


Parental  Ignorance  and  Neglect. 

Undoubtedly  under  late  day  conditions  it  is  a rule  that  parents, 
in  cities,  especially,  pay  too  little  attention  to  their  children  after 
they  are  ten  years  of  age.  The  parents  are  either  at  work  or  at 
saloons,  palm  gardens,  clubs,  tea  parties,  whist  parties,  etc.,  until 
the  late  hours  of  the  night,  and  the  children  are  left  to  shift  for 
themselves  or  left  with  the  maid  at  home,  or  are  at  liberty  to 
seek  companionship  or  roam  the  streets.  Street  schools  seem  to 
be  the  most  attractive  for  them,  and  they  soon  learn  all  existing 
vices.  Many  parents  apparently  desire  to  get  rid  of  the  obliga- 
tion of  the  care  and  training  of  the  children  as  soon  as  possible, 
and  it  is  shifted  to  kindergarten  schools  and  playgrounds.  Lit- 
tle attention  is  paid  to  the  late  hours  and  absence  from  home. 
Supervised  playgrounds  in  some  cities  have  done  much  to  remedy 
the  effect  of  this  shirking  of  responsibility.  Quick  to  recognize 
this  opportunity  for  profit,  the  owners  of  commercialized  amuse- 
ments such  as  dance  halls,  pool  rooms  and  picture  shows,  have 
stepped  in  and  seized  the  child  in  its  youth  and  furnished  it 


112  Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

with  many  entertainments  the  trend  of  which  is  detrimental 
to  its  moral  welfare. 

The  main  idea  in  the  minds  of  many  children  is  to  have  a good 
time  and  to  be  free  from  parental  control.  In  even  the  most  care- 
fully regulated  families  it  is  a very  difficult  task  to  resist  the 
child’s  demands  that  it  be  permitted  to  go  to  places  of  amusement 
attended  by  the  chihlren  of  neighbors. 

While  the  recreation  movement  may  in  a measure  imi>rove  these 
conditions,  as  is  strongly  urged  by  many  social  workers,  the  fact 
remains  that  these  various  recreation  movements  all  tend  to  take 
and  keep  the  child  away  from  the  home  influence  and  training 
in  cases  where  the  parents  are  most  desirous  of  retaining  super- 
vision and  control. 

The  dangerous  street  attractions  and  temptations  permitted  by 
city  authorities  still  lie  in  the  child’s  pathway  to  lure  it  to  de- 
struction. There  are  many  records  of  eases  in  which  the  child 
or  young  woman  has  reported  to  the  home  that  she  has  been  at  a 
friend’s  home  for  the  evening  or  night,  when,  in  fact,  she  has  been 
at  some  wine  room,  hotel,  or  immoral  resort.  The  tendency 
of  even  the  social  center  movement  is  to  relieve  parents 
of  the  responsibility  that  is  theirs,  and  theirs  alone,  the  projier 
bringing  up  and  training  of  the  child.  The  home  is  becoming 
more  and  more  as  if  it  were  a boarding  house ; a place  to  eat  and 
sometimes  sleep.  Wiiile  parents  may  be  subject  to  criticism  for 
their  lack  of  proper  control  in  the  training  of  children,  we  must 
recognize  the  fact  that  e.xisting  movements  aiming  to  improve 
social  conditions  do  have  a strong  tendency  to  make  it  more  dif- 
ficult for  them  to  properly  perfoian  the  duties  which  we  have 
sought  to  impose  upon  them. 


r.\RENT.\L  Neglect.  (Testimony) 

Inmate.  City  59,  page  133.  "I  was  born  in  

and  raisetl  thei-e,  and  1 was  a young  girl  and  did  not  know 
any  ditferent.  1 knew  it  was  not  just  right,  but  1 did  not  knoAV 
that  anything  was  going  to  happen  to  me.  I left  home  when 
I was  about  15  years  old  and  had  a baby  when  I left.  i\ly 
mother  never  told  me  anything  about  such  things.  I was  with 
a young  fellow  that  I went  to  school  with.  "We  were  raised' 
together.  I would  not  want  any  of  my  daughters  to  go  into 
that  life.  I never  cared  for  the  life.  There  is  nothing  but 
trouble  in  it.  I am  now  trying  to  be  respectable.  I never 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee.  113 

saved  money.  It  is  awfully  havd  for  a girl  to  quit  the  busi- 
ness, because  they  will  not  let  you  alone. 

Statement  of  District  Attorney,  Oshkosh,  page  48.  “You 
can’t  expect  the  public  officials  to  look  after  all  the  children 
of  the  city,  unless  the  parents  are  going  to  look  after  them, 
and  if  they  are  not,  we  ought  to  have  some  law  to  compel 
them.  This  afternoon  we  had  six  little  hoys  that  had  been 
stealing  here  for  several  months,  burglarizing  the  stores;  all 
•little  bits  of  fellows.  The  parents  came  into  court  today. 
Where  were  the  parents  when  these  boys  were’gone?  1 don't 
feel  like  punishing  the  hoys.  They  are  not  to  blame  for 
everything.” 

Spectator.  “In  Marquette,  Michigan,  they  are  piini.shing 
the  parents.  Thev  have  called  the  parents  instead  of  the  chil- 
dren.” 

Spectator.  “A  complaint  Ave  meet  continually  in  Mihvau- 
kee,  as  well  as  elscAvliere,  is  that  the  parents  are  to  blame  for 
this  condition — that  the  children  are  not  kept  at  home,  but 
are  permitted  to  go  somewhere  else.  The  recreation  move- 
ment is  improving  conditions.  The  home  conditions  are  such 
that  the  child  can’t  stay  at  home.  Just  to  get  home  condi- 
tions, out  of  mere  curiosity,  I took  a school  census  in  our  most 
congested  district.  It  Avoiild  be  impossible  for  the  young  peo- 
l)le  to  stay  at  home.  These  are  the  ones  that  Ave  Avant  to  pro- 
vide Avith  a jilace  to  go,  even  more  than  the  child  of  the  better 
home.  Every  hoy  and  girl  Avants  a fcAV  associates,  and  Ave 
Avaut  to  see  that  the  boy  has  a good  place  to  go.  It  is  impos- 
sible to  keep  every  child  at  home  every  evening.  I doubt 
Avhether  it  is  the  best  thing  for  him.  EA^ery  person  ought  to 
get  in  touch  Avith  other  young  people.” 

Dr.  D.  J.  Hays,  MilAvaukee,  in  ansAver  to  the  folloAv- 
ing  question:  “What  Avoiild  you  suggest  as  the  best  remedy 
to  cure  prostitution?”  says:  “I  think  that  in  the  family,  if 
the  people  Avith  a family  at  home,  good  moral  people,  could 
instruct  their  children,  make  them  feel  that  this  life  Avas  a bail 
life  to  live,  and  that  there  Avas  no  money  or  anything  else  in 
it  but  destruction,  it  Avonld  liaAm  a good  influence  on  the  com- 
ing generation.” 

Dr.  Harper,  page  3.  “The  cause  of  the  moral  conditions,  as 
I look  at  it,  primarily  rests  upon  the  parents, — the  indiffer- 
ence of  parents  in  the  iqihringing  of  their  hoys  and  girls  and 
permitting  long  trips,  hig  dinners  and  dances,  late  hours  of 


s-v.  0. 


114  liEPOliT  OF  THE  WISCONSIN  VlCE  ComMITTEE. 

the  night,  and  early  hours  of  the  morning  to  people  that  ought 
to  go  to  bed  at  D :b0  to  10  :U0  o’clock. 

■'1  am  strongly  of  tlie  opinion  that  since  the  parent  is  neg- 
ligent, the  state  must  take  a certain  amount  ol  activity  and 
uevise  ways  and  means  of  teaching  plainly  and  emphatically 
what  these  things  mean  to  the  indiviaual,  for  the  individual's 
weitare,  and  let  the  ministers  in  the  pulpit  take  up  the  moral 
Side.  It  should  be  started  at  the  eightu  grade.  Those  who 
attend  country  schools  should  be  instructed  in  the  same  man- 
ner on  this  iiroposition,  because  a lot  of  them  never  go  to  the 
other  schools.-  i want  to  tell  you,  gentlemen,  that  a lot  of 
those  girls  that  go  bad,  go  bad  because  they  are  absolutely 
ignorant.  There  are  a lot  of  boys  that  are  ruined  for  life  be- 
cause they  are  absolutely  ignorant  of  such  things  as  gonor- 
rhea and  syphilis,  and  the  eifects  of  these  diseases,  and  there 
isn't  any  aoubt  about  it  at  all.  There  are  a lot  of  girls  that 
become  pregnant  that  don’t  know  the  machinery  which  brings 
about  pregnancy — the  little  ones — lots  of  them.  And  there 
are  parenis  who  keep  these  things  hidden  from  the  child;  and 
there  is  another  class  of  people  that  find  out  from  evil  friends 
what  these  things  are.  i am  very  much  of  the  opinion  that 
open,  trank  discussions  in  the  schools,  public  and  parochial, 
should  be  established  and  maintained.” 

Dr.  D.  J.  Hayes,  Milwaukee.  In  response  to  the  query  as 
to  the  teaching  of  morals  in  the  home,  says:  ‘‘In  the  home 
or  in  the  church,  or  wherever  it  can  be  taught  by  anyone  who 
is  competent  to  teach  it.  The  home  would  be  good.  If  not 
competent,  have  it  done  by  a physician.  I think  that  moral 
training  has  a great  deal  to  do  with  those  things  in  youth.” 

City  59.  WGB.,  pag’e  46.  ‘‘Now,  it  strikes  me  that  the 
transition  stage  from  the  point  where  the  girl  is  pure  and  in- 
nocent to  the  point  Avhere  she  is  ruined  is  a very  important 
point;  that  there  is  less  to  be  done  with  a woman  that  has 
been  reduced  in  the  moral  spirit,  as  it  Avere,  than  to  saA-e  the 
innocent;  and  along  these  lines  my  oAvn  observation  leads  me 
to  believe  that  special  effort  should  be  made,  to  Avarn  the  girls 
against  the  late  hours  of  the  dance  hall  and  against  drink, 
and  by  drink  I mean  intoxicating  liquor  to  the  point  that  they 
get  intoxicated.  I have  felt  from  the  things  that  come  to  me 
from  the  mothers  about  their  girls  that  AA'hile  I plainly  blame 
the  mother  Avho  fails  to  ask  herself,  ‘Where  is  my  daughter 
tonight?’  or  ‘Where  is  my  boj^  tonight?’  some  attention  should 
be  given  on  the  part  of  local  legislators  to  limiting  the  hours, 
for  instance,  the  closing  of  the  dances,  and  haA^e  the  girls  go 
home  at  suitable  hours,  because  there  is  Avhere  the  great  dan- 
ger is.” 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee.  IIS 

City  5S.  Miss , page  115.  “The  greatest  cause 

of  the  downfall  of  giils  lu  my  experience  is  first  of  all  par- 
ental neglect.  The  parents  do  not  care  for  their  children  from 
infancy  as  they  ought  to.  They  are  not  taught  morals  and 
respect  for  their  persons.  They  neglect  to  teach  respect  for 
law.  I cannot  believe  that  there  is  much  connection  between 
wages  and  going  wrong,  because  I know  a great  number  of 
the  noblest  girls  in  the  city  who  are  working  for  low  wages 
and  do  not  go  wrong.” 

Miss  , Nurse,  Milwaukee,  ipage  292.  “Children 

are  very  much  neglected,  so  far  as  home  care  goes.  It  is  nec- 
essary cpiite  often,  if  you  wish  to  keep  a boy  and  girl  in  school, 
to  provide  clothing  for  them  so  they  can  be  dressed  decently 
enough  to  come  to  school,  because  even  though  the  parents 
have  the  money,  they  don’t  buy  the  clothes.  The  children  are 
too  poorly  nourished,  and  the  home  conditions,  due  to  too 
many  boarders,  are  not  always  what  they  should  be  for  the 
children.” 

Mr , Madison,  page  3.  “As  to  the  effect  of 

pool  rooms,  iiictiire  shows,  etc.,  on  parental  control;  1 am  not 
satisfied  myself  as  to  whether  these  youngsters  go  out  to  the 
pool  room  because  of  iveak  parental  control  in  the  first  place, 
or  whether  the  weak  parental  control  is  the  result  of  these 
opportunities.  I think  in  many  instances  they  come  because 
of  weak  parental  control.  I don’t  think  tliere  is  any  way  of 
getting  away  from  the  fact  that  the  spirit  of  rebellion  is  in 
the  boy’s  mind,  if  he  wants  to  go.” 

Flexner,  page  74.  “The  herding  together,  by  day  and 
night,  of  men  and  ivomeii,  of  young  and  old,  of  boys  and  girls, 
of  all  degrees  of  relationship,  or  no  relationship,  not  only  de- 
stroys health,  but  makes,  to  the  ordinary  human  being,  the 
particular  virtue  upon  which  the  integrity  of  the  family  de- 
pends, wholly  impraeticahle.  Any  person  who  has  dwelt 
among  the  denizens  of  the  slums  cannot  fail  to  have  brought 
home  to  him  the  existence  of  a stratum  of  society  of  no  incon- 
siderable magnitude,  in  which  children  part  with  their  inno- 
cense  long  before  puberty,  in  which  personal  chastity  is  vir- 
tually unknown,  and  in  ivliich  to  have  a baby  by  your  father 
is  laughed  at  as  a comic  mishap.” 

Perverted  Sex  Life  of  Males. 

Undoubtedly  the  fact  that  a very  large  number  of  the  men  of 
every  community  have  been  so  unfortunate  as  to  develop  an  un- 
natural sexual  desire  is  a great  contributor  to  the  maiutenance 


llB  liEPORT  OF  THE  WISCONSIN  ViCE  COMMITTEE. 

and  growth  of  prostitution.  There  are  various  ways  in  which 
this  perverted  sex  impulse  has  been  developed  and  accentuated. 
In  most  cases  beginnings  can  probably  be  traced  back  to  early 
training  and  various  forms  of  parental  neglect  and  ignorance  of 
the  sexual  phenomena  of  chikh’en.  The  practice  of  masturba- 
tion, which  may  develop  even  before  puberty  and  always  stimu- 
lates unnatural  sexual  impulses,  is  very  commonly  overlooked  by 
fathers  and  mothers.  When  once  the  child  has  formed  the  habit 
it  is  extremely  difficult  to  break  it.  All  such  practices  lead  to  a 
morbid  condition  of  the  mind  and  not  uncommonly  so  weaken 
the  will  and  loosen  the  moral  fibre  that  it  is  impossible  to  resist 
any  sexual  temptations  which  present  themselves  later  in  life. 
Under  a natural  development  the  boy  would  have  little  or  no 
thought  regarding  his  sexual  nature,  until  after  puberty,  when  it 
is  possible  with  correct  hygiene  to  turn  the  energies  which  might 
be  consumed  in  the  practice  of  masturbation  into  strenuous  and 
exciting,  out-of-door  sports. 

When  puberty  is  reached  and  the  natural  processes  of  noc- 
turnal emissions  begin,  many  a boy  is  frightened  by  a perfectly 
natural  phenomena,  which  he  does  not  understand.  Too  often  he 
is  given  fallacious  advice  by  older  boys  who  are  both  ignorant 
and  vulgar,  and  the  result  is  that  he  may  resort  to  a quack  doc- 
tor or,  following  fallacious  advice,  seek  relief  through  inter- 
course. 

At  this  time,  due  to  parental  neglect  and  immoral  and  falla- 
cious information  which  is  handed  about  among  young  men,  there 
are  a number  of  false  ideas  which  commonly  exist.  The  first  of 
these  is  the  idea  of  sex  necessity  in  order  to  mamtain  health. 
Every  man  who  has  mixed  with  the  more  -ignorant  classes  has 
often  heard  the  statement  that  intercourse  is  necessary  in  order 
to  maintain  health.  As  a parallel  phenomena,  they  refer  to  the 
exercise  of  a muscle  in  order  to  secure  strength,  being  wholly 
ignorant  of  the  fact  that  the  sexual  organs  are  primarily  glands 
which  secrete  inwardly.  Another  fallacy  is  the  idea  that  contin- 
ence is  impossible,  that  all  men  practice  sexual  immorality,  and 
that  it  is  the  nature  of  the  male  to  do  so.  This,  as  every  well  in- 
formed person  knows,  is  absolutely  false,  and  there  are  many 
exanqiles  of  continence  among  the  every  day  acquaintances  of 
every  man.  A third  and  extremely  dangerous  fallacy  is  the  com- 
mon idea  among  uninformed  people  that  s'cnereal  disease  is  not  a 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


117 


serious  matter.  Many  young  men  regard  gonorrhea  as  of  no 
more  serious  consequence  “than  a bad  cold.”  There  is  undoubt- 
edly more  fear  of  syphilis.  This  opinion  coidd  not  exist,  were 
the  facts  regarding  blindness,  sterility,  feeble-mindedness,  paraly- 
sis and  physical  decay  of  all  sorts  and  degrees,  as  a result  of  ven- 
ereal disease,  known  to  the  young  men  of  every  community.  All 
of  these  fallacies  tend  to  make  the  conduct  of  young  men  loose, 
immoral  and  extremely  dangerous  to  public  morals  and  health. 

Added  to  these  foregoing  fallacies  and  neglect,  there  is  the 
positive,  detrimental  stimulation  of  alcoholic  drinks,  and  among 
young  children,  the  use  of  coffee,  tea  and  cigarettes.  The  more 
tender  and  immature  tissue  of  the  boy  or  girl  should  not  be  sub- 
jected to  the  use  of  these  stimulants,  and  the  very  serious  neglect 
oil  the  part  of  parents  in  this  matter  of  hygiene  and  regimen  un- 
doubtedly contributes  to  the  unnatural  development  of  sex  im- 
pulses. 

The  practice  of  seeking  the  services  of  a prostitute,  whether 
professional  or  jirivate,  leads  many  to  postpone  marriage  and 
the  establishment  of  a home,  and  in  a large  number  of  cases  un- 
doubtedly entirely  destroys  the  possibility  of  natural  family 
life.  All  of  these  factors  and  facts  should  be  held  in  view  when 
considering  the  causes  of  sexual  immorality. 

Double  Standards. 

A double  standard  of  morality  for  men  and  women  makes  re- 
form in  public  morals  difficult.  Such  standards  have  undoubt- 
edly filtered  down  through  the  centuries  from  the  time  of  primi- 
tive family  life  when,  due  to  the  simplicity  of  society,  a larger 
degree  of  promiscuity  obtained.  The  ethical  standards  which 
fitted  well  in  such  a simple  form  of  society  have  been  entirely  out- 
grown by  the  rapid  multiplication  of  the  complexities  which  sur- 
round every  social  group.  Simple  ethical  standards  have  changed, 
not  only  regarding  sexual  life,  but  also  regarding  ownership  of 
property,  slavery,  treatment  of  criminals,  and  every  other  phase 
of  social  relationships.  It  is  unthinkable  that  ethical  standards 
which  maintained  among  the  cave  folk  and  the  savages  upon  the 
plains,  can  be  sufficient  in  the  great  cities  and  complex  relation- 
ships of  present  day  civilization. 

The  present  day  demands  chastity  of  men  equal  to  that  de- 
manded of  women,  and  this  requirement  is  emphasized  by  the 


118 


Report  op  the  AVisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


phenomenal  spread  of  disease  and  its  attending  results.  The  pro- 
tection of  the  family,  the  protection  of  women  and  children  in 
particular,  who  are  now  the  greatest  sufferers  from  this  primi- 
tive standard,  demands  that  society  should  enforce  a single  stand- 
ard for  both  men  and  women.  Under  the  double  standard  the 
natural  protector  of  the  home  and  of  woijien  and  children  be- 
comes their  most  dangerous  assailant.  Under  the  double  stand- 
ard the  finer  relationships  of  monogamous  family  life  are  entirely 
impossible.  Under  the  double  standard  there  can  be  no  degree  of 
security  from  disease,  there  can  he  no  confidence  between  hus- 
band and  wife,  and  there  can  be  no  fine  example  presented  by  the 
father  to  children  who  look  to  the  father  as  the  embodiment  of 
the  best  ideals. 

The  terrible  significance  of  the  facts  presented  to  this  commit- 
tee regarding  the  ■ f recpieney  with  which  married  men  seek  the 
services  of  professional  prostitutes  brings  this  condition  home  to 
the  people  of  Wisconsin  in  no  uncertain  manner.  The  women  of 
the  state  should  demand,  and  by  their  moral  influence  enforce  a 
single  standard  of  morality  for  both  sexes.  The  intelligent  people 
of  the  state,  both  male  and  female,  who  see  the  results  and  signifi- 
cance of  the  worn  out  and  dangerous  double  standard,  should 
cultivate  public  opinion  to  require  a standard  of  morality  among 
men  which  would  furnish  the  degree  of  protection  and  sincerity 
that  the  safety  of  the  home  demands.  Before  such  a public 
opinion  the  brothel  and  the  house  of  ill-fame  would  have  to  go, 
in  view  of  the  fact  that  these  resorts  could  not  exist,  even  for  a 
brief  length  of  time,  under  a single  standard  of  morality  for  men 
and  women.  , 


Economic  and  Industrial  Conditions. 

One  of  the  indirect  causes  of  prostitution  is  the  economic 
and  industrial  conditions  under  which  many  women  and 
girls  are  obliged  to  work  for  their  living.  Undoubtedly  this 
cause  is  not  as  important  in  the  state  of  AA'iseonsin  as  in  some 
oilier  communities,  due  to  the  fact  that  there  are  no  large  indus- 
ti'ial  enterprises  which  depend  mainly  upon  female  labor  for  their 
operations.  In  a state  like  Alassachusetts  or  Connecticut,  where 
there  is  a very  large  amount  of  female  labor  in  textile  factories, 
tl)e  industrial  conditions  undoubtedly  contribute  very  largely  to 
prostitution. 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


119 


“Prostitution  is  mainly  an  economic  question,  but.  of  course, 
all  ecrnomie  (juestions  are  also  moral  questions  in  the  end;  no 
question  about  that;  but  it  is  based  upon  the  economic  ques- 
tion and  upon  the  enslavement  of  woman.  The  woman  is 
more  of  a slave  than  the  man  to-day,  under  the  present  situa- 
tion. She  is  getting  less  pay,  and  no  political  rights  to  speak 
of.  The  poor  woman  gets  all  the  blame  and  the  man  is  scott 
free.  For  every  woman  prostitute  you  have  at  least  five  men 
prostitutes.”  (Milwaukee.  Victor  Berger,  P.  110.) 

It  is  not  fair  to  the  unfortunate  woman  who  finds  herself  en- 
gaged in  prostitution  in  order  to  live,  to  baldly  state  that  she 
became  a prostitute  merely  because  she  did  not  receive  enough 
pay  to  buy  herself  the  clothes  and  entertainment  which  she  de- 
sired. This  would  be  an  untrue  statement.  The  real  conditions 
are  much  more  intricate  and  insinuating  than  this.  The  story 
of  the  young  woman  who  is  subjected  on  every  side  to  the  en- 
ticements of  men,  and  who  is  offered  excitement  and  entertain- 
ment in  exchange  for  services  of  aii  immoral  character,  is  all  too 
common,  not  only  in  Wisconsin,  but  all  over  the  world.  More  to 
the  discredit  of  the  men  who  thus  take  advantage  of  a woman’s 
natural  desire  for  active  social  life,  is  the  fact  that  such  tempta- 
tions usually  come  at  a time  when  the  girl  is  less  able  to  resist, 
owing  to  the  conditions  of  fatigue  and  nervousness,  which  follow 
a day’s  work  in  the  factorjq  in  the  store,  or  in  the  kitchen.  It  has 
been  represented  at  times  that  when  an  individual  is  fatigued 
from  a day’s  work,  he  or  she  has  little  energy  to  direct  toward 
any  immoral  practice.  This  is  contrary  to  the  opinion  of  ps}'- 
chologists,  physicians  and  experts  upon  fatigue’  in  industrial  pro- 
cesses. It  has  been  demonstrated  many  times  that  the  nervous 
system  craves  a form  of  excitement  and  expression  after  the  oper- 
ations of  the  daily  task,  especially  if  the  task  is  a tedious  and 
monotonous  one.  The  result  is  that  when  the  offer  comes  to  an 
ignorant  and  unsophisticated  girl  to  go  for  an  automobile  ride  or 
to  a dance,  it  is  difficult  for  her  to  deny  herself  the  social  contact 
and  excitement  which  such  a pleasure  trip  would  give.  Bevond 
doubt  a large  number  of  girls  who  are  not  under  the  direction  of 
older  and  more  experienced  persons  accept  these  attentions  from 
designing  men,  without  the  least  intention  of  violating  any  moral 
law.  The  casual  acquaintance  which  a young  woman  finds  among 
the  workers  of  the  factory  or  store  may  also  lead  to  unwise  com- 
jianionships  outside  of  the  establishment  in  which  she  works. 


120 


Report  of  tpie  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


The  girl  living  at  home  and  having  the  advantage  of  a good  place 
to  sleep  and  eat  and  a degree  of  companionship  and  protection  is 
very  much  more  apt  to  escape  and  avoid  dangerous  companions 
outside  of  working  hours. 

As  to  the  conditions  in  Wisconsin,  the  committee  has  not  re- 
ceived much  testimony  to  the  effect  that  industrial  conditions  in 
the  state  contribute  largely  to  the  growth  of  prostitution.  Tak- 
ing the  state  as  a whole,  it  has  been  found  that  wages  of  girls  have 
a wide  range,  approximately  from  $3.00  to  $20.00  per  week.  In 
a large  number  of  cases  the  girls  live  at  home  and  assist  in  the 
support  of  the  family.  While  this  committee  does  not  have  evi- 
dence of  girls  sacrificing  their  honor  for  money,  there  is  much 
testimony  to  show  that  the  wages  received  would  not  pay  for 
room  rent,  board,  etc.,  if  tbe  girl  were  not  living  at  borne.  Just 
what  amount  a woman  should  receive  in  order  to  live  decently 
and  maintain  a proper  degree  of  efficiency  it  is  not  within  the 
province  of  this  committee  to  even  estimate.  The  Wisconsin  In- 
dustrial Commission  is  now  working  upon  this  particular  prob- 
lem. 

There  is  before  the  committee,  however,  evidence  that  many 
women  continue  the  practices  of  jirostitution,  once  they  have 
entered  upon  that  life,  because  they  can  secure  much  more  money 
by  this  practice  than  they  can  by  legitimate  wage  earning.  Sev- 
eral have  testified  that  they  found  that  they  coidd  not  support 
themselves  as  they  desired,  by  any  other  means,  so  they  continued 
the  life.  For  instance,  we  have  the  case  of  an  English  woman 
who  received  $3.50  a week  for  domestic  service,  and  she  states 
that  her  average  earnings  through  the  practice  of  prostitution 
are  $6.00  a day.  She  also  testifies  that  she  is,  nevertheless,  kept 
continually  in  debt.  Another  case  in  point  is  that  of  a girl  who 
earned  $3.75  a week  as  a factory  employee.  She  states  that  she 
found  that  she  could  not  make  a “decent  living'’  by  working,  and 
she  remains  in  the  business  of  prostitution  “because  there  is 
money  in  it.” 

That  the  conditions  under  which  women  work  tend  to  create 
immorality  cannot  in  general  be  questioned.  In  many  stores  and 
factories  men  and  women  of  all  degrees  of  morality  and  immor- 
ality mingle  with  promiscuous  familiarity.  It  must  also  be  stated 
that  the  requirement  that  woman  employees  .shall  stand  all  day. 
and  the  active  nature  of  the  day’s  work  cause  a severe  nervous 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


121 


strain,  leading  to  fatigue  and  weakening  of  the  will  power  by  the 
time  the  day  is  ended. 

Domestics. 

The  fact  that  domestic  servants  show  such  a large  percentage 
of  illegitimate  hiidhs  requires  that  their  case  be  especially  noted. 
The  question  has  often  been  asked, — Why  is  it  that  domestics  con- 
tribute so  largely  to  the  ranks  of  prostitution  and  illegitimate 
children  ? The  true  answer  to  this  question  is  that  by  the  natui'e 
of  their  daily  work  domestics  are  denied  the  natural  oiiportuni- 
ties  for  social  contact.  More  than  any  other  group  of  women  la- 
borers they  are  made  to  feel  that  their  work  is  menial.  They  are 
not  treated  by  members  of  the  family  in  which  they  work  as  eipials 
in  any  sense  of  the  word;  their  hours  are  long  and  tedious;  tliey 
have  little  opportunity  for  amusement ; and  it  is  freipiently  the 
case  that  if  they  wish  to  entertain  friends  they  must  do  so  in  a 
clandestine  manner.  All  of  these  factors  add  to  the  dangers 
which  surround  the  domestic  servant.  The  fact  that  she  is  iso- 
lated from  a natural  social  group  which  creates  social  loyalties 
and  social  restraints  makes  the  reasons  for  virtuous  living  less 
strongly  apparent  in  her  case  than  in  tiie  case  of  any  other  groiq) 
of  women  employees.  Furthermore,  a very  large  percentage  of 
the  women  serving  as  domestics  are  immigrants,  very  frequently 
fresh  from  a peasant  life  in  Europe,  and  unacquainted  with  Amer- 
ican customs. 

There  is  in  this  as^iect  of  the  problem  of  immorality  a very 
definite  line  of  work  lying  before  women’s  clubs  and  cluirches. 
Tills  is  a field  in  which  women  can  do  very  much,  beginning  in 
their  own  homes.  There  is  a possibility  of  providing  some  form 
of  natural  social  life  for  the  domestics  of  a community,  and  be- 
cause of  the  fact  that  women  laborers  in  families  are  generally 
under  the  direction  of  the  wife  and  mother  of  the  home,  it  be- 
comes a first  hand  duty  of  Avomen’s  organizations  to  deal  with 
this  serious  problem.  (See  Section  on  illegitimacy.) 

Housing  Conditions. 

It  is  surprising  to  find  housing  conditions  in  the  state  of  Wis- 
consin, whose  largest  city  is  Milwaukee,  with  a population  of 
aliout  400,000,  ivliich  remind  one  of  the  slums  of  New  York,  Chi- 


122 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


cago  and  other  highly  congested  cities.  However,  the  investiga- 
tion of  the  committee  has  disclosed  conditions  in  cities  of  Wiscon- 
sin which  are  as  bad  as  those  obtaining  in  larger  cities  of  the 
country,  though  on  a smaller  scale. 

It  is  extremely  difficult  to  understand  how  any  degree  of  mod- 
esty and  self-respect  can  be  maintained  in  a home  where  there 
are  four  or  five  children  and  as  many  as  nine  or  ten  boarders 
living  in  three  or  four  rooms.  The  committee  has  information 
regarding  a home,  which  may  be  considered  typical  of  the  worst 
conditions  which  are  to  be  found  in  the  state,  in  which  seven  men 
and  five  children  and  a father  and  mother  were  living  in  a five- 
room  house.  The  kitchen  was  the  only  place  in  which  there  was 
not  a bed.  There  Avere  no  toilet  facilities,  and  the  rooms  in  which 
the  children,  boys  and  girls,  had  to  sleep  Avere  also  occupied  by 
the  boarders.  Another  instance  has  come  to  the  attention  of 
the  committee,  in  Avhieh  the  daughter  of  the  family,  thirteen  or 
fourteen  years  of  age,  slept  in  the  same  room  Avith  the  male 
l/oarders  Avith  not  a possibility  of  privacy  from  morning  till  night 
because  of  the  fact  that  the  boarders  AA'orked  at  A'arious  shifts, 
night  and  day,  and  some  Avere  ahvays  in  the  house.  Under  such 
conditions  as  these  the  Avonder  is  that  a girl  or  boy  suiwives  with 
even  iihysical  health,  and  it  is  a still  greater  Avonder  that  many 
come  through  Avith  reasonably  good  characters.  In  spite  of  the 
contact  Avith  rough,  uncouth  men,  in  spite  of  continually  hearing 
oliseene  language  and  receiving  rough  treatment,  children  actu- 
ally pass  through  such  conditions  and  not  infrequently  possess 
a commendable  degree  of  purity  and  A’irtue. 

Read  the  folloAving  stories  of  conditions  in  Wisconsin  cities, 
and  try  to  conceive  hoAv  under  such  conditions  it  is  possible  to 
maintain  a degree  of  physical  and  spiritual  Avelfare. 

The  committee  finds  that  the  unsanitary  housing  conditions 
prevailing  among  the  more  ignorant  and  poverty  stricken  por- 
tions of  the  population  in  some  of  the  large  manufacturing  cities 
strongly  tend  to  immorality.  The  evidence  sIigaa's  that  in  some 
eases  as  high  as  fifteen  or  tAventy  iiersons  Ra'c  in  one  small  tene- 
ment house.  Persons  of  opposite  sex  and  of  all  ages  are  per- 
mitted to  occupy  the  same  room,  in  some  cases  Avith  only  a curtain 
for  a partition.  This  is  a A'ery  serious  condition,  and  ealls  for 
drastic  legislation  in  regard  to  tenement  house  conditions. 


Report  op  the  AARsconsin  A^'ice  Committee.  123 

Mrs , Nurse,  Milwaukee,  page  292.  “A"ou  take 

tlie  Slavonian  district,  and  you  will  find  tlie  father  and  mother 
and  perhaps  five  c-hildreii;  it  is  not  a question  of  poverty  al- 
ways; it  is  a question  of  too  many  boarders.  There  is  no 
place  for  the  girl  of  fourteen  or  fifteen  to  dress  or  wash.  She 
has  not  one  place  that  she  can  have  to  herself  for  five  minutes 
of  the  day.  Yon  will  find  probably  seven  men  boarders. 
Alaybe  half  of  them  ivork  at  night  and  sleep  in  the  day  time. 
They  get  out  of  those  beds  and  go  to  work  and  the  other  man 
comes  in  and  goes  to  bed.  The  boy  and  girl  have  no  place 
to  have  another  boy  and  girl  come  to  see  them.  The  result 
is  that  they  run  the  streets,  because  they  have  no  social  cen- 
ters. I have  in  mind  the  ease  of  a girl  who  disappeared  and 
could  not  be  found  for  several  iveeks.  The  principal  reported 
that  the  girl  was  not  in  school.  I went  to  look  her  up  and 
found  seven  men,  perhaps  five  children,  and  the  father  and 
mother.  It  was  just  a five  room  house.  The  father  worked 
and  they  were  earning  sufficient  money  and  there  were  just 
five  rooms  in  the  house.  The  kitchen  was  the  only  place  that 
had  not  a bed  in  it.  The  only  reason  it  hadn’t  a bed  was 
because  it  was  not  big  enough.  The  housing  facilities  were 
very  poor.  There  are  no  toilet  facilities  in  a place  of  that 
kind,  and  in  the  other  rooms  you  could  just  get  between  the 
beds.  The  father  and  the  mother,  a boy  of  twelve  and  a girl 
of  fourteen  and  the  rest  of  the  younger  children,  all  slept  in 
the  one  room,  and  when  I went  in  there  and  found  out  what 
the  place  was  like  I didn’t  blame  the  girl  for  running  away. 

“1  can  tell  you  of  a place  on  St.  Paul  Avenue,  where  I was 
looking  up  a neglected  child.  I found  nine  men  sleeping  in 
the  basement,  the  beds  end  to  end,  the  toilet  in  the  same  place, 
and  one  woman  cooking.  I didn’t  know  which  man  she  be- 
longed to,  and  I couldn’t  find  out.  You  can  see  those  things 
any  day  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  St.  Paul  depot,  up  at  Cly- 
bourn  and  St.  Paul  Avenue.  You  will  probably  find  three  men 
to  one  woman  in  any  one  of  those  houses.  I think  that  condi- 
tion is  bad  enough.  It  is  not  always  due  to  the  housing  con- 
ditions. They  play  a large  part  in  it  of  course,  but  it  seems 
to  me  that  the  iieople  ought  not  be  allowed  to  rent  places  to 
so  many  people  as  that.  On  Sixth  or  Eighth  Street,  I think 
it  was,  we  had  a row  of  houses  I think  they  called  Castle  Gar- 
den, and  you  could  go  in  there  any  time  and  find  the  rats 
running  about.  I have  had  them  run  over  my  feet,  mau'^ 
times,  and  not  long  ago  we  had  the  case  of  a child  in  school 
with  a very  sore  finger  and  ascertained  that  the  rats  had  bit- 
ten it  Avhile  the  child  slept ; and  the  baby  was  bitten  through 
the  mouth.  The  mother  and  father  drank.  The  father  was 
scarcely  ever  sober.  There  were  four  children,  and  they 


124  Keport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  CoMMiTTEie. 

lived  ill  three  rooms  in  the  basement.  That  is  typical  of  the 
eases  you  come  across  in  your  day’s  travel.” 

Mrs Madison,  page  17.  Q.  To  what  influ- 

ence do  you  attribute  the  delinquency  of  girls? 

A.  1 attribute  the  delinquency  of  girls  to  the  fact  that  they 
are  just  crazy  for  a good  time  and  dress.  1 have  a case  in 
mind — the  father  and  mother  and  three  children  and  nine 
men  were  rooming  in  a four  room  house.  The  girl  was  run- 
ning around  with  just  a bare  skirt  on  and  no  underwear  or 
any  shoes.  She  was  sleeping  in  the  same  room  with  the  men. 
She  was  practically  nude,  dust  a thin  dress  on.  In  another 
ease  the  father  and  mother  and  six  children  were  living  in 
one  room  with  two  beds.  The  brother  was  twenty-one  years 
old  and  the  girl  occupied  the  same  bed  Avith  him. 

Mrs MilAvaukee,  page  301.  "As  far  as  the 

moral  conditions  in  poor  foreign  families  are  concerned,  the 
chief  evil  comes  from  Avhat  is  known  as  the  boarder  eA'il.  The 
rooming  conditions  and  sleeping  conditions  in  most  of  these 
homes  are  very  bad.  It  is  positively  impossible  for  children 
to  live  under  those  circumstances,  and  not  hear  and  see  that 
Avhieh  they  never  ought  to,  and  the  children  in  well-to-do  fam- 
ilies do  not  knoAV  until  they  come  to  maturity.  But  the 
croAvded  condition  of  the  home,  the  constant  contact  Avith 
rough  and  drunken  men  in  the  halls,  the  hearing  of  obscene 
language,  and  all  things  that  go  to  make  up  the  bad  condi- 
tions in  this  congested  (piarter  inevitably  interfere  Avith  the 
proper  liringing  up  of  children,  making  any  moral  standards 
difficult.” 


VENEREAL  DISEASE. 

One  of  the  factors  Avhich  brought  the  Avhole  question  of  the  so- 
cial evil  into  prominence  aa’RS  the  findings  of  the  medical  profes- 
sion in  regard  to  syphilis  and  gonorrhea.  Before  physicians 
knew  of  the  extent  of  these  diseases  and  the  terrible  damage 
caused  by  them,  comparatively  little  attention  Avas  given  to  the 
relation  betAveen  prostitution  and  venereal  disease.  With  the 
startling  discoA'eries  of  the  latter  half  of  the  nineteenth  century, 
the  fight  against  venereal  disease  began. 

It  has  been  found  by  every  study  of  venereal  disease  that  pros- 
titutes are  the  great  disseminators  of  gonorrhea  and  syphilis.  It 
is  practically  impossible  for  any  Avoman  to  haA'e  promiscuous 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


125 


I 

( sexual  iiitereoui'se  through  any  long  period  of  time  Avithotit 
j citutraetiug  either  gonorrhea  or  syphilis,  or  both.  All  prosti- 
f tutes  sooner  or  later  contract  one  or  both  of  these  diseases.  Ilav- 
j ing  once  contracted  a venereal  disease,  the  prostitute  very  soon 
' infects  her  patrons,  and  they  in  turn  infect  other  people,  man.y 
: of  Avhom  are  absolutely  innocent  of  any  immoral  act.  The  most 
startling  fact  regarding  venereal  disease  and' pi’ostitution  that 
has  been  brought  out  by  tlie  investigations  of  this  committee  is 
i the  large  number  of  married  men  who  frequent  houses  of  prosti- 
tution in  various  cities  of  the  state.  Several  prostitutes  or 
; “madams”  have  stated  that  not  less  than  fifty  per  cent  of  their 
customers  are  mariled  men.  In  order  to  give  a clear  conception 
^ of  the  extent  of  venereal  disease  among  prostitutes,  the  following 
I section  from  the  report  of  the  social  hygiene  laboratory  of  the 
New  York  Reformatory  for  Women  at  Bedford,  New  York,  is 
i?  given.  . A section  is  also  quoted  from  the  Massachusetts  report 
I on  white  slaveiq". 

Page  188.  A Stud}-  of  Prostitutes  at  Bedford: 

Venereal  Disease:  The  recoi-ds  of  the  Bedfoi'd  Reforma- 
I Tory  for  girls  shoAv  that  20.56  per  cent,  of  the  647  inmates  have 
i,'i  clinical  manifestations  of  venereal  disease.  The  facts  are 
!i  summarized  in  the  following  table: 

, iTotal  number  of  inmates  647 

INiimber  free  from  clinical  manifestations  of  disease 511 

Number  shoAving  clinical  manifestations  of  disease 133 

Of  the  last  named: 


Number  Avith  syphilis  61 

Number  with  gonorrhea  54 

Number  Avith  syphilis  and  gonorrhea 9 

Number  AAuth  disease  unnamed 8 

Number  Avith  chancre  1 


“ ■ 133  (20.56%) 

A series  of  complement  fixation  tests  on  blood  specimens 
from  466  of  the  inmates  shoves,  however,  that  a very  much 
* larger  number  are  infected  with  either  syphilis  or  gonorrhea, 
)’i  or  both  of  these  diseases.  With  the  Wassermann  test,  176,  or 
37.7  per  cent,  gave  positive  reactions ; 273,  or  58.6  per  cent, 
ij.  arave  nea-ative  reactions:  and  17.  or  3.6  ner  cent,  gave  doubt- 
|j  Fid  reactions.  With  a modification  of  the  Wasserman  tech- 
nique, where  the  tests  Avere  alloAved  to  stand  for  four  hours 


126 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


at  ice  l)ox  temperature,  to  fix  complement,  instead  of  the 
usual  one  liour  at  37  degrees  C.  in  the  ineuhator,  224,  or  48 
per  cent,  gave  positive  reactions;  212,  or  45.4  per  cent,  gave 
negative  reactions ; and  30,  or  6.4  per  cent,  gave  doubtful  re- 
actions for  syphilis  over  the  method  of  fixing  complement  at 
37  degrees  C.  The  same  sera  Avere  tested  by  the  complement 
fixation  test  for  gonorrheal  infection  Avith  the  result  that  134, 
or  29  per  cent,  gave  positwe  reactions ; 234,  or  50  per  cent, 
gave  negative  reactions;  and  98,  or  21  per  cent.,  gave  doubt- 
ful reactions,  fixing  complement  at  37  degrees  C.  for  one  hour. 
When  the  ice  box  method  of  fixation  Avas  used,  306,  or  65.6 
per  cent,  gave  positive  reactions;  101,  or  21.7  per  cent.  gaA’e 
negative  reactions;  and  59,  or  12.6  per  cent,  gave  doubtful  re- 
actions ; shoAving  an  increase  of  36.9  per  cent  of  posith^e  results 
over  the  method  of  fixing  complement  at  37  degrees  C.  in  the 
incubator. 

“Vaginal  smears  from  the  same  persons  Avere  examined,  hut 
it  Avas  possible  to  demonstrate  the  presence  of  the  gonococcus 
in  hut  five  of  them,  although  many  of  them  shoAv  the  i>resence 
of  numerous  pus  corpuscles. 

“The  full  significance  of  the  results  aboA^e  stated  does  not 
appear  until  the  statistics  are  summarized.  Of  the  466  girls 
tested,  only  50,  that  is,  10.7  per  cent  are  found  to  he  fi’ee 
from  A'enereal  infection.  Practically  90  per  cent  shoAved  in- 
fection : 170,  or  36.4  per  cent  gaA'e  posith'e  reactions  for  both 
syphilis  and  gonorrhea  ; 27,  or  5.79  per  cent  AA'ere  posith'e  for 
syphilis  only;  and  117,  or  25.1  per  cent,  Avere  posith'e  for 
gonorrhea  only.” 

Massachusetts  Report,  page  45.  “Of  the  100  prostitutes 
examined  for  the  commission  at  the  Suffolk  County  House  ?f 
Correction,  the  Charles  Street  Jail  and  the  Woman's  Reform- 
atory, 11  had  syphilis,  32  had  gonorrhea,  and  27  had  both 
syphilis  and  gonorrhea.  In  20  of  these  Avomen  the  presence 
or  absence  of  these  diseases  Avas  not  ascertained.  Of  SO 
Avomen.  therefore,  70,  or  8714  per  cent,  had  one  or  both  of 
these  diseases. 

“Of  the  100  young  girls  .iust  entering  prostitution,  exam- 
ined at  the  industrial  schools,  21  had  syphilis.  31  had  gonor- 
"hea,  and  4 had  both  sA'philis  and  gonorrhea.  In  10  of  these 
girls  the  nresenee  or  absence  of  these  diseases  Avas  not  ascer- 
tained. Of  90  girls,  therefore,  56,  or  62  plus  percent,  had 
one  or  both  of  these  diseases. 

“In  a recent  inquiry  concerning  8.000  male  patients  oa-'T 
eighteen  years  of  age,  admitted  to  a Boston  hosnital  for  all 
sorts  of  other  medical  and  surgical  diseases,  the  folloAA'ing  re-, 
suit  Avas  obtained  after  careful  questioning  of  all  the  patients: 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


127 


35  per  cent  admitted  a history  of  gonorrhea  and  11  per  cent 
of  syphilis  at  some  period  of  their  lives.” 

Various  figures  have  been  given  indicating  the  extent  of 
venereal  disease  in  cities  of  the  United  States  and  of  Europe. 
These  statistics  are  open  to  doubt  and  criticism  and  many  au- 
thorities believe  that  the  facts  have  been  exaggerated.  The  Indi- 
ana State  Board  of  Health,  in  a publication  entitled  “Social  Hy- 
giene vs.  the  Sexual  Plagues”,  states;  “Medical  observation  indi- 
cates that  80  per  cent  of  males  between  the  ages  of  18  and  30 
contract  gonorrhea.”  Dr.  William  Ophuls  of  California  says, 
“I  should  say  that  a conservative  estimate  of  the  frequency  of 
syphilis  is  that  10  per  cent  of  the  male  population  is  suffering 
from  syphilis,  and  in  case  of  gonorrhea  the  conservative  estimates 
are  50  per* cent,  that  is,  one-half  of  all  adult  males  have  or  have 
had  gonorrhea.”  Other  authorities  state  that  gonorrhea  is  the 
most  common  of  all  male  diseases.  Where  the  truth  lies  is  a mat- 
ter that  cannot  be  determined  at  present,  but  it  is  safe  to  say  that 
gonorrhea  is  extremely  prevalent  and  offers  a very  severe  men- 
ace to  the  health  of  the  public,  and  that  syphilis,  while  less  com- 
mon than  gonorrhea,  thorough  congenital  infection  is  a grave 
menace  not  only  to  this  generation  but  also  to  generations  to 
come.  Venereal  disease  provides  such  a severe  and  persistent 
scourge,  especially  in  large  cities,  that,  regardless  of  whether  its 
prevalence  is  put  at  40  or  50  per  cent  or  70  or  80  per  cent,  it 
1 becomes  one  of  the  most  difficult  and  pressing  of  public  health 

Ij  problems. 

In  order  to  bring  squarely  before  the  public  the  tndy  serious 
nature  of  gonorrhea  and  syphilis,  the  following  authoritative 
statements  are  quoted. 

Indiana  State  Board  of  Health  Circular — Social  Hygiene  vs. 
The  Sexual  Plagues,  page  8.  “The  Century  Dictionary  defines 
gonorrhea  as  follows:  ‘In  pathology  a specific,  infections, 
•|  muco-pnrulent  inflammation  of  the  inale  urethra  or  the  female 
, vagina  or  urethra.’ 

“The  belief  that  gonoriiiea  and  syphilis  were  but  different 

1 expressions  of  a single  disease  held  sway  from  the  earliest 
knowledge  of  the  disease,  2,000  years  before  Christ,  until  the 
year  1838,  when  tliey  were  finally  differentiated.  In  1879  a 
]diysician  named  Niesser  discovered  the  specific  organism  of 
gonorrhea.  The  organism  or  germ  is  called  ‘Niesser’s  gono- 


128 


Beport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


C'ocoiis.’  Gonorrhea  is  also  known  in  vernacular  as  ‘clap’, 
from  the  old  French  word  ‘clapior, ’ meaning  ‘to  flow.’ 

“Following  are  some  of  the  things  that  gonorrhea  has  done 
to  many  males  and  may  do  to  any  male  who  becomes  infected 
and  neglects  the  disease  : 

“Causes  stricture  or  narrowing  of  the  urethra.  The  inflam- 
mation leaves  a scar.  The  urine  not  being  able  to  pass  freely 
sets  up  an  annoying  irritation  in  the  urethra.  A stricture 
often  can  be  removed  only  b}^  a long  course  of  painful  treat- 
ment. A surgical  oi)eration  is  sometimes  necessary. 

“Causes  epididymitis  or  inflammation  or  SAvelling  of  one  or 
both  of  the  testes.  Where  there  is  double  inflammation  com- 
plete sterility  may  and  often  does  result.  Exceedingly  pain- 
ful and  dangerous.  Victim  often  suffers  distinct  loss  of 
moral  tone.  Mental  disturbances. 

“Causes  inflammation  of  delicate  ducts  and  vesicles  in  deep 
urethra,  sometimes  superiiulucing  an  abscess,  very  grave  and 
painful,  necessitating  dangerous  operation.  Sterility  is  again 
sometimes  the  result.  Often  loss  of  moral  tone  and  mental 
disturbance. 

“C’auses  gonorrheal  rheumatism,  one  of  the  most  painful 
diseases  in  medical  knowledge.  Here  the  germ  enters  the 
blood,  finds  a home  in  the  joints,  A\diich  swell  to  enormous 
size,  Avith  extreme  suffering.  Ankylosis,  or  stiffening  of  the 
affected  joints,  is  not  infrequent,  leaA’ing  the  .sufferer  a per- 
manent cripple. 

“Causes  gonori'heal  ophthalmia.  Gonorrheal  pus  trans- 
ferred to  the  eye  may  extinguish  sight  in  a feAV  hours.  It 
is  an  exceedingly  stubborn  and  dangerous  aftlictiou. 

“Causes  disease  of  the  jirostate  gland.  The  prostate  gland 
situated  at  the  neck  of  the  bladder  is  the  heart  of  the  sexual 
system.”  Infection  of  that  organ  may  be  the  cause  of  the 
disease  becoming  chronic  or  incurable  with  destructive  ef- 
fects on  the  generative  function.  Abscess  sometimes  results, 
necessitating  a serious  surgical  operation.  Deep  melanchoh' 
and  suicidal  tendency  sometimes  develop. 

“Causes  a tendency,  it  is  thought,  toAvard  tuberculosis  of 
prostate  gland  and  testes,  resulting  in  dangerous  and  often 
fatal  surgical  operations. 

“In  Avoman,  causes  inflammation  of  the  ovaries,  the  Fallop- 
ian tubes  and  the  uterus,  often  necessitating  radical  surgery 
to  save  the  life  of  the  Auctim.  Barrenness  and  life-long  in- 
A'alidism  are,  of  course,  the  results.” 

It  is  thus  seen  that  this  disease,  which  for  so  many  years  has 
been  regarded  lightly,  is  of  the  greatest  seriou.sness  both  to  men 
and  AA'omen.  Were  these  facts  more  AAudely  knoAA'u,  but  fe\A'  peo- 
ple Avould  knoAvinglv  expo.se  fhemselA'es  to  the  disease. 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


129 


Syphilis  is  a disease  caused  by  a germ  known  as  spiroclietae 
pallida.  The  disease  is  extremely  infectious  in  the  first  stage 
and  also  during  certain  periods  of  the  second  stage.  In  the  third 
stage  the  disease  sometimes  causes  the  most  terrible  ulcers  and  in 
its  manifestations  is  scarcely  less  horrible  than  leprosy.  The  fol- 
lowing extract  from  a paper  by  Dr.  William  Oi)huls  of  Cali- 
fornia gives  a brief  description  of  some  of  the  effects  of  syphilis. 

“Syphilitics  are  prematurely  old  because  their  arteries  age 
rapidly;  and  very  freipiently  the  arteries  give  way  entirely 
and  death  results  immediately  from  this  giving  way  of  the 
main  channels  for  the  blood  supply  in  the  body.  Similarly 
the  central  nervous  s.ystem  suffers.  The  most  dreaded  dis- 
eases of  the  central  nervous  system,  paresis  of  the  brain  and 
spinal  tabes,  the  so-called  locomotor  ataxia,  Avhich  incapaci- 
tates, first,  the  lower  limbs,  and  eventually  leads  to  a slow 
lingering  death,  are  much  more  common  in  syphilitics  than  in 
ordinary  individuals.  If  w'e  study  the  statistics  in  such  eases, 
we  find  that  50  ])er  cent  and  more  of  the  sufferers  frcm  these 
diseases  of  the  centi-al  nervous  system  have  been  infected  with 
syphilis.  You  have  all  heard  in  the  ncAvspapers  the  reports  of 
jirofessional  men,  particularly,  Avho  have  broken  down  in  the 
prime  of  their  activities, — the  busy  physician,  the  busy  law- 
yer, Avho  suddenly  experiences  a change  in  his  entire  person- 
ality; he  goes  into  tremendous  undertakings  that  he  is  not 
able  to  carry  out;  he  squanders  his  fortune;  he  neglects  his 
family;  he  dissipates  in  various  ways;  eventually  he  lands  in 
the  insane  asylum, — unfortunately,  after  he  has  ruined  his, 
family,.  These  cases — not,  mind  you,  in  all  such  instances,  but 
in  many  instances — are  directly  traceable  to  a syphilitic  infec- 
tion, acquired  at  some  remote:  period  as  a rule,  twenty  or 
thirty  years  before  the  accident  occurred.” 

Any  person  Avho  desires  more  detailed  information  regarding 
either  syphilis  or  gonorrhea  has  but  to  refer  to  the  Avorks  of  Dr. 
Prince  A.  Morrow  or  Dr.  Edivard  Keys,  in  order  to  find  abun- 
dant material. 

The  most  unfortunate  and  grievous  aspect  of  the  Avhole  prob- 
lem of  venereal  disease  is  the  fact  that  many  totally  innocent  per- 
sons become  infected  and  suffer  from  its  disastrous  ravages.  A 
few  persons  become  infected  through  the  use  of  public  towels  and 
public  drinking  cups,  public  bath  tubs  and  toilets.  Cases  have 
been  knoAvn  of  young  men  infecting  girls  by  kissing,  and  vice 
ATrsa.  But  the  most  common  innocent  infection  takes  place  in 
the  ease  of  Avomen  Avho  are  married  to  men  avIio  have  contracted 


t)-V.  c. 


130 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


the  disease.  Dr.  Prince  A.  Morrow,  the  man  who  is  responsible 
for  the  bringing  of  this  whole  matter  to  the  notice  of  the  public, 
states  that  70  per  cent  of  the  women  who  present  themselves  to 
him  for  treatment  for  venereal  disease,  even  at  public  hospitals, 
are  respectable  married  women  who  have  been  infected  by  their 
husbands.  Gynecologists  report  that  75  per  cent  of  the  opera- 
tions required  for  inflammatory  diseases  in  women  are  due  to 
gonorrhea,  and  more  than  one-half  of  all  abdominal  operations 
on  women  are  for  tliis  cause,  and  this  does  not  take  into  consider- 
ation a large  number  f women  who  are  note  operated  on,  but  who 
drag  out  a miserable  existence.  James  Warbasse,  a surgeon  of 
Brooklyn,  who  has  written  a number  of  sociological  essays  on 
medical  subjects,  says: 

“Let  not  the  layman  think  of  this  as  a disease  of  the  vicious. 
Gonorrhea  is  a disease  of  the  vii’tuous  wives  in  our  great  cities 
as  well  as  of  the  prostitutes.  Fortj^-five  per  cent  of  the  un- 
fruitfulness of  marriage  is  due  to  gonorrhea  in  the  woman,  ac- 
quired from  her  husband.  The  infection  once  implanted  pro- 
gresses upward  into  the  uterus,  thence  through  the  fallopian 
tubes  to  the  ovaries.  The  inflammation  which  it  causes  sets  up 
adhesions  about  the  ovaries,  causing  pain  and  tenderness  and 
effectually  closes  the  fallopian  tubes,  making  her  forever  ster- 
ile. 

“It  is  the  married  woman’s  most  common  disease.  Every 
prostitute  has  it,  and  fortunately  for  society  it  renders  her 
sterile.  It  is  the  bond  of  sympathy  between  these  two  great 
classes  of  women — and  supplied  by  the  husbands.” 

Warbasse  also  says  that  a man  who  has  once  had  gonorrhea  is  a 
dangerous  man  to  marry,  and  yet  65  to  75  per  cent  of  women 
who  marry  are  accepting  this  danger.  It  is  estimated  that  from 
20  to  30  per  cent  of  all  cases  of  infantile  blindness  are  caused 
by  gonorrheal  infections  at  the  time  of  birth.  The  use  of  silver 
nitrate  as  a remedy  for  this  type  of  infection  is  now  widespread, 
and  in  some  states,  including  Wisconsin,  is  now  required  by  law 
under  certain  conditions. 

The  committee  sent  a questionaire  to  the  hospitals  of  the  state, 
requesting  certain  information  regarding  venereal  disease  in 
these  institutions.  Seven  hospitals  replied,  and  furnished  data 
sufficient  to  enable  the  committee  to  compile  the  following  sta- 
tistics. ■ 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee, 


131 


SUMMARY  OF  REPORTS  FROM  HOSPITALS. 


La  Crosse 

Hospital 

Association 

Fond  du  Lac, 

St.  Agnes 

Hospital 

Milwaukee. 

St.  Mary’s 

Hospital 

Wauwatosa , 

Milwaukee 

County  Hospital 

Racine, 

St.  Mary’s 

Hospital 

Green  Bay, 

Wisconsin  State 

Reformatory 

Milwaukee, 

St.  Joseph’s 

Hospital 

Totals 

Total  venereal 

disease 

419 

1,197 

1,415 

3,068 

937 

1,480 

1,121 

181 

6,365 

767 

4/240 

1,216 

2,612 

5,405 

3,995 

2,601 

10,605 

25 

49 

83 

23 

27 

5 

288 

No.  ol  females  having  syphilis... 

41 

13 

26 

44 

11 

2 

137 

66 

62 

102 

127 

34 

27 

425 

425 

No.  of  males  having  gonorrhea.. 
No.  of  females  having  gonorrhea 

10 

39 

27 

36 

169 

8 

289 

11 

8 

53 

25 

40 

5 

142 

Total  

21 

8 

92 

52 

76 

169 

13 

431 

431 

No.  of  males  having  chancroid... 
No.  of  females  having  chancroid. 

0 

1 

9 

1 

10 

14 

0 

0 

0 

Total  

0 

1 

9 

1 

10 

14 

14 

9 

ho 

29 

31 

21 

145 

4 

18 

40 

22 

9 

93 

9 

27 

90 

51 

40 

21 

238 

30 

33 

59 

61 

49 

161 

393 

4S 

9 

29 

45 

17 

148 

Total  

78 

42 

88 

106 

66 

161 

541 

0 

. .(p. 

13 

2 

• .(p. 

15 

r. 

0 

..(p. 

9 

3 

..(p. 

14 

Total 

( 

2 

22 

5 

29 

Totals  of  venereal  diseases. 

sr 

71 

196 

179 

111 

206 

20 

870 

870 

1 Counted  as  married. 
® No  record. 


Of  a total  of  a little  over  16,000  cases  treated  by  the  seven 
hospitals  replying  to  the  questionaire,  870,  or  5.4  per  cent,  were 
treated  for  a venereal  disease.  Two  and  seven-tenths  per  cent 
of  the  total  number  of  cases  treated  by  the  hospitals  were  cases 
of  syphilis,  and  2.6  per  cent  were  eases  of  gonorrhea.  Of  the 
870  eases  of  venereal  disease,  50.4  per  cent  were  cases  of  syphilis, 
and  49.5  per  cent  were  eases  of  gonorrhea,  showing  that  the  whole 
number  of  venereal  disease  cases  w-as  about  ecpially  distributed 


132 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


between  gonorrhea  and  syphilis.  Thirty-three  per  cent  of  those 
treated  for  gonorrhea  were  women,  and  67  per  cent  were  men. 
Thirty-one  and  two-tenths  per  cent  of  those  treated  for  syphilis 
Avere  ivomen,  and  68.8  per  cent  Avere  men,  showing  that  in  these 
institutions  about  tAAm-thirds  of  the  eases  of  A’enereal  disease  Avere 
men.  Of  the  Avmmen  treated  for  A'enereal  disease,  58  per  cent 
Avere  single,  AAdiile  42  per  cent  were  married.  Of  the  men  treated 
for  venereal  disease,  71  per  cent  were  single,  and  29  per  cent 
Avere  married.  It  Avill  be  noticed  that  there  is  a discrepancy  be- 
tAveen  the  total  number  of  cases  of  A'enereal  disease  and  the  num- 
ber of  married  and  single  cases  given.  This  is  accounted  for  by 
the  fact  that  certain  hospitals  did  not  give  complete  data  on  the 
question  of  civil  status  of  patients.  In  the  operation  to  determine 
the  proportion  of  married  and  single  men  and  Avomen  to  the  total 
number  of  those  treated  for  A^enereal  disease,  the  number  808  was 
used  as  the  basis  instead  of  870.  Eight  hundred  and  eight  is  the 
number  regarding  AA’hom  the  facts  of  ciA’il  status  were  giA’eu  hy 
the  hospitals. 

Mention  has  been  made  in  another  section  (See  section  on 
Recommendations)  regarding  the  adA’isability  of  establishing 
public  clinics  in  this  state  for  the  free  diagnosis  and  treatment 
of  venereal  disease.  Such  clinical  laboratories  are  maintained  by 
NeAV  York  City,  Syracuse  and  seAmral  other  municipalities.  These 
laboratories  prove  of  great  serAuce  not  only  to  the  persons  who 
come  directly  to  the  expert  in  charge  for  tests  made  to  de- 
termine the  presence  of  the  gonococcus  or  the  syphilis  germ,  but 
also  many  physicians  send  in  specimens  to  be  tested  in  the  labora- 
tories. This  public  sei’AUce  is  a long  step  toward  the  treatment  of 
venereal  disease  as  a real  and  important  public  health  problem. 
The  great  preAmlance  and  damage  of  gonorrhea  and  syphilis  to 
child  and  adult  alike  demands  actiAuty  on  the  part  of  public 
health  authorities,  in  order  to  meet  the  emergency.  In  another 
section  of  this  report,  the  committee  strongly  recommends  the 
establishment  of  public  clinics  and  free  wards  or  hospitals  for  the 
treatment  of  A^enereal  disease.  The  state  of  Wisconsin,  which 
has  been  on  the  firing  line  of  progressh'e  measures,  should  not 
fall  behind  the  other  states  in  proAuding  adequate  and  widespread 
facilities  for  the  treatment  of  the  tAvo  most  insidious  and  danger- 
ous diseases  with  which  the  human  race  is  afflicted. 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


133 


Economic  Losses  Due  to  Venereal  Diseases. 

When  we  stop  to  consider  the  enormous  financial  loss  to  the 
state  by  reason  of  the  expenditure,  annually,  of  vast  sums  for 
the  support  of  state  institutions  devoted  to  the  care  of  its 
blind,  crippled,  insane  and  feebleminded  wards,  a large  per- 
centage of  whom  are  brought  to  such  unfortunate  condition 
through  no  fault  of  their  own,  but  through  innocent  infection 
Avith  venereal  disease,  and  in  addition  thereto  the  physical 
sufferings  not  only  of  such  unfortunates  but  of  the  thousands 
of  women  throughout  the  state  innocently  infected  Avijth  such 
diseases,  and  the  great  loss  of  time  and  money  to  all  persons  so 
afflicted,  it  is  evident  that  the  time  has  arrived  when  the  state 
must  enact  drastic  legislation  in  an  effort  to  curb  or  eliminate 
these  loathsome  diseases. 

The  Report  of  the  Philadelphia  Anee  Commission  states  that 
the  Royah Commission  on  the  Blind  (London,  1889)  estimated 
that  the  number  of  people  disabled  as  a result  of  ophthalmia 
neonatorum  represented  an  annual  burden  to  the  Common- 
wealth of  £350,000;  this  on  the  estimated  60  per  cent  due  to 
gonorrheal  infection,  Avould  be  £210,000,  or  $1,018,500. 

The  Report  of  the  U.  S.  Secretary  of  War,  for  1913,  states: 
“This  office  Avas  compelled  by  the  fact  that  the  venereal  dis- 
eases were  'the  only  infectious  diseases  which  shoAved  no  tend- 
ency to  diminish  and  had  become  the  greatest-  source  of  disability, 
to  urge  the  application  of  the  principles  of  preAmntative  medi- 
cine (page  362). 

As  the  result  of  the  propaganda  of  education  in  the  army, 
of  compulsory  jArophylaxis  Avitli  physical  examinations,  and  of 
the  stoppage  of  pay  of  men  incapacitated  for  dujty  by  venereal 
diseases,  some  control  apparently  has  been  secured  at  last  oAmr 
the  occurrence  of  these  diseases  (page  160).” 

The  Report  states  further  that  in  1912  the  time  lost  on  ac- 
count of  venereal  disease  in  the  army  amounted,  in  the  aggre- 
gate, to  223,038  days,  this  being  7.79  men  per  thousand;  while 
in  1911  it  amounted  to  10.11  men  per  thousand.  It  is  stated 
also  that  in  1912  the  ratio  of  venereal  disease  in  the  United 
States  army  Avas  115.71  men  per  thousand;  and  in  1911  it  was 
115.29  men  per  thousand. 

It  has  been  estimajted  by  Dr.  MorroAV  that  there  are  in  the 


134 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


United  States  2,000,000  epileptics.  He  further  states  that  the 
eradication  of  venereal  disease  would  reduce  the  number  of  in- 
stitutions for  defectives  by  at  least  one-half. 

Dr.  Price  of  Philadelphia  states  that  of  1,000  abdominal  op- 
erations upon  women,  95%  were  necessitated  by  conditions  re- 
sulting from  gonorrhea. 

It  has  been  estimated  by  Dr.  Howard  Kelley  of  Baltimore 
that  the  cost  of  venereal  diseases,  to  the  people  of  the  United 
States,  is  Three  Billion  Dollars  per  year.  (Report  of  Pittsburgh 
Morals  Efficiency  Commission,  page  21.  Report  of  Philadelphia 
Vice  Commission,  page  134.) 

On  the  basis  of  the  last  census  this  would  be  equivalent  to  a 
tax  on  the  people  of  Wisconsin,  of  $76,000,000  per  year. 

Dr.  Kipke.  In  answer  to  a question  as  to  approximately 
how  many  cases  of  venereal  disease  he  treats  a year,  he  said : 
‘‘Besides  my  private  practice  we  have  a clinic  for  women  at 
the  Maternity  Hospital  and  have  a clinic  there  daily,  except 
one  day  in  a iveek.  I presume  in  all  we  have  about  two  hun- 
dred eases  a Aveek.  About  ninety  per  cent  of  these  are  Avomen 
and  a large  number  that  contract  the  disease  and  are  OA'er 
there  contract  it  from  their  husbands.  I haAm  not  noticed  any 
increase  in  venereal  diseases  since  the  closing  of  the  ‘red  light’ 
district.” 

Dr.  Gudex,  page  78.  “I  haAm  not  had  boys  from  16  to  20 
years  of  age  in  my  office  afflicted  Avith  syphilis,  as  I haA’e  had 
during  the  time  of  the  ‘line.’  ” 

Dr.  T.  L.  H^irrington,  page  41.  “I  Avould  say  that  the  eco- 
nomic loss  caused  by  each  case  of  Amnereal  disease  Avould  de- 
crease the  earning  poAver  of  the  Auctim  25  per  cent;  and  that 
a fair  average  for  the  medical  services  Avould  be  $75.00,  in 
addition  to  the  charge  for  certain  medicines.  The  age  of  the 
youngest  female  that  I have  CA’cr  had  for  treatment  AA'as  six 
or  , seven  months,  and  the  oldest  aged  person,  about  45  years. 
1 have  not  noticed  any  increase  in  the  number  of  eases  since 
the  abolition  of  the  ‘red  light’  district,  bnt  there  has  been  a 
decrease,  so  far  as  my  knoAidedge  goes.  I do  not  think  there 
is  as  much  danger  of  contracting  these  diseases,  since  the  abo- 
lition of  the  district  as  there  Avas  before.  I think  tJiat  the 
(official)  examination  of  prostitutes  is  a positHe  injury  in 
that  it  giA^es  the  young  man  aa4io  is  tempted  to  fall  and  falls 
a sense  of  security.” 

Dr La  Crosse.  ‘ ‘ During  the  time  of  the  tenderloin 

district  in  La  Crosse,  I had  a good  deal  of  practice  in  it,  and 
found  much  venereal  disease  in  that  district.  I suppose  that 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


135 


every  practitioner  takes  it  for  granted  that  prostitutes  have  it. 
I do  not  think  it  is  possible  for  them  to  avoid  it  for  any  length 
of  time.  In  my  opinion,  the  examination  could  not  be  of  the 
slightest  value  in  the  way  of  protection.” 

Dr.  Minahan,  Green  Bay.  “I  would  not  wonder  if  the  per- 
centage of  males  who  at  some  time  during  their  life  have  had 
venereal  disease  would  run  as  high  as  80  per  cent  but  in  the 
eases  of  females,  probably  from  40  to  50  per  cent.  I do  not 
think  the  surgical  operations  due  to  venereal  diseases,  in  my 
practice,  would  exceed  20  per  cent.” 

Dr.  R.  Minahan.  “In  a way  I don’t  suppose  that  any  of 
the  cases  of  gonorrhea  fully  recover.  That  is,  the  germ  that 
produces  that  disease  is  supposed  to  be  imbedded  in  the  muc- 
ous membrane  for  years  and  manifests  itself  afterward.  Of 
course,  the  prevalence  of  gonorrhea  Avill  reduce  the  child-bear- 
ing ability  Avithin  a certain  limit.” 

Dr.  Julius  Beilin,  Green  Bay,  page  9.  Thirty  to  thirty- 
five  per  cent  of  surgical  operations  on  Avomen  are  due  to  vene- 
real diseases.” 

Dr.  Julia  Riddle.  She  states  that  she  has  had  a number 
of  cases  of  gonorrhea  during  the  year  and  frequent  eases  of 
syphilis.  She  said,  “I  have  had  these  eases  in  both  mar- 
ried and  unmarried,  but  I think  there  is  more  among  the  mar- 
ried. I have  not  obtained  the  history  of  these  eases  among  the 
married  because  they  do  not  knoAV  what  they  have  and  I have 
never  got  brave  enough  to  tell  my  married  Avomen  what  the 
trouble  Avas.” 

Dr.  J.  P.  Donovan,  Madison,  page  26.  “In  the  female  gon- 
orrhea usually  becomes  incurable,  and  in  the  male,  it  may  last 
a man’s  Avhole  life.  We  know  that  syphilis  will  last  forever 
unless  this  neAV  treatment  (salvarsan)  Avill  cure  it,  and  we  have 
not  had  time  to  find  out.” 

Dr.  A.  G.  Sullivan,  Madison,  page  28.  Upon  being  asked 
whether  he  favored  quarantine.  Dr.  Sullivan  said,  “I  favor 
quarantine  on  the  score  that  it  is  a communicable  disease.  It 
Avould  raise  a good  deal  of  havoc  for  a while.  The  same  thing 
Avas  true  Avhen  quarantine  began  for  scarlet  fever,  smallpox, 
diphtheria.  I believe  in  publicity  as  a cure  for  these  evils.  If 
you  Avould  have  the  names  on  file  and  make  the  physician  liable 
to  quite  a severe  penalty  for  not  reporting,  I think  you  would 
find  that  venereal  disease  Avould  decrease.  I think  you  Avould 
have  fewer  illegitimate  children  and  less  Avork  for  the  abortion- 
ist.’ 


136  Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

Dr.  M.  E.  Corbett,  Oshkosh,  page  26.  “A  few  years  ago 
the  f)i‘ostitutes  were  examined  every  mouth  as  to  Avhether  they 
had  disease  or  not.  That  I consider  one  of  the  greatest  farces 
that  could  exist.  There  was  nothing  whatever  to  protect  mem- 
bers of  society  who  attended  those  places,  because  in  the  mean- 
time they  might  contract  diseases ; and  I have  seen  cases  M'here 
syphilis  has  been  contracted  by  a number  of  individuals  from 
one  individual  who  had  passed  an  examination  a month  before, 
and  in  the  interval  she  had  infected  a number  of  men.  The 
period  is  too  long.  I never  saw  so  many  cases  of  syphilis  or 
gonorrhea  in  my  life  as  I did  at  the  general  hospital  in  Vienna 
when  I studied  there,  and  still  that  city  is  regulated  quite  well 
as  regards  these  diseases  I think  there  is  an  extra  danger  on 
account  of  the  security  that  they  suppose  is  conferred  upon 
them  by  these  examinations,  which  are  too  far  apart  to  do  any 
good,  and  that  is  one  thing  that  should  be  abolished  immedi- 
ately,— those  examinations.  They  are  no  earthly  good  what- 
ever. ’ ’ 

Dr.  H.  M.  Brown.  In  reply  to  the  question,  “Isn't  it  a fact 
that  some  doctors  state  that  a case  of  gonorrhea  is  never 
cured?  he  said,  “A^ery  likely  in  all  cases.  Gonorrhea  may  affect 
all  the  joints  of  the  body,  the  heart,  liver,  gall  bladder,  injures 
the  joints,  and  for  that  matter  gonorrhea  has  affected  the  ears — 
it  depends  on  Avhere  the  germs  happen  to  go.” 

In  regard  to  registration  by  names,  he  says,  “In  a way,  yes, 
register  by  number,  because  if  you  begin  registering  venereal 
diseases,  you  can  register  90  per  cent  of  the  people  of  Milwau- 
kee. You  must  remember  that  75  per  cent  of  the  operations  on 
women  on  the  pelvic  organs  are  made  necessary  by  gonorrhea, 
and  we  can’t  any  of  us  be  blind  to  the  fact  that  there  is  a vast 
amount  of  surgical  Avork  done  on  the  pelvic  organs  of  women.  ’ ’ 

Dr.  R.  G.  Sayle.  “In  ansAver  to  the  question  Avhether  I CA’er 
estimated  the  economic  loss  to  the  state  from  A'enereal  disease, 
■ — I have  not  made  an  estimate,  but  I stand  appalled,  as  a sur- 
geon, at  the  terrible  condition  of  many  of  our  Avomen.  They 
are  prevented  from  becoming  mothers  and  their  inefficiency 
for  domestic  relations  is  terrible.  Dh'oree  and  discontent  in 
the  homes  are  rampant  as  a result  of  it.  Indirectly,  the  state 
is  a great  sufferer.  Dhmree  proceedings,  court  expenses,  and 
all  that, — it  must  be  very  huge, — the  expense  to  the  state.” 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


137 


Notes  on  Statistics  of  Illegitimacy  in  Milwaukee  and  in  the 
State  as  a Whole. 

Statements  or  figures  regarding  illegitimate  births  are  an  indi- 
cation of  sexual  immorality.  There  are  two  types  of  women  who, 
as  a result  of  immoral  acts,  give  birth  to  illegitimate  children, 
first:  those  who  are  too  ignorant  of  the  practices  of  abortion  to 
secure  premature  birth  of  a child  by  means  of  an  operation,  and 
second,  those  who  prefer  to  give  birth  to  an  illegitimate  child 
rather  than  to  destroy  the  embryo  before  it  reaches  the  stage  of 
development  at  which  birth  is  ordinarily  given.  The  element  of 
cost  of  abortion  may  enter  into  this  condition  also,  inasmuch  as  the 
ordinary  charge  for  producing  abortion  is  from  $50.00  to  $100.00. 
Furthermore,  an  intelligent  woman  who  knows  the  disastrous 
results  which  frequently  accompany  operations  producing  abor- 
tion prefers  rather  to  give  birth  to  an  illegitimate  child  than  take 
the  chances  of  permanent  disability  to  conceive,  blood-poisoning, 
diseases  of  the  genital  organs  and  other  dangerous  results.  The 
maternal  instinct  probably  operates  in  numerous  cases  to  prevent 
the  destruction  of  the  embryo,  once  it  has  been  conceived.  Thus 
the  tables  of  illegitimacy  which  are  given  below  must  not  be  as- 
sumed to  be  an  accurate  indication  of  the  amount  of  immorality 
either  in  a given  city  or  in  a state. 


ILLEGITIMATE  BIRTHS 
(City  of  Milwaukee — Health  Department) 


Mother's  Occupation. 

1908 

1909 

1910 

1911 

1912 

1913 

Domestic  

174 

167 

187 

175 

153 

180 

Factory  girl  

27 

14 

13 

20 

20 

11 

Clerk  

12 

7 

13 

9 

11 

16 

Dressmaker  

8 

4 

6 

4 

4 

7 

School  girl  

6 

6 

8 

5 

4 

8 

Stenographer  

3 

1 

4 

3 

1 

5 

Teacher  

4 

3 

2 

3 

2 

5 

Waitress  

3 

2 

2 

1 

3 

2 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

Not  stated  

26 

24 

27 

24 

18 

17 

At  home  

4 

5 

15 

18 

10 

26 

17 

8 

3 

5 

13 

4 

Other  occupations  

15' 

7 

8 

14 

3 

14 

300 

248 

289 

282 

243 

298 

138 


Eeport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee, 


Age  of  Mother 

1908 

1909 

1910 

1911 

1912 

1913 

13  years  

2 

1 

1 

1 

14  ' “ 

2 

2 

2 

0 

15  “ 

6 

1 

6 

6 

3 

7 

16  “ 

9 

11 

9 

12 

6 

6 

17  ‘‘  

23 

24 

10 

10 

16 

21 

18  “ 

36 

31 

32 

33 

25 

32 

19  to  25  years  

170 

137 

177 

171 

136 

174 

25  to  30  “ 

38 

28 

37 

34 

29 

40 

SO  to  40  “ 

15 

13 

16 

14 

22 

14 

40  to  50  

1 

1 

1 

3 

1 

300 

248 

289 

282 

243 

298 

1908 

1909 

1910 

1911 

1912 

1913 

Nonresident  mothers  

107 

73 

93 

63 

82 

73 

179 

Youngest  father — 14. 
Youngest  mother — 13. 


* * # 


ILLEGITIMATE  BIRTHS  IN  THE  CITY  OF  MILWAUKEE,  1910. 


Mother’s  Occupation. 

Total 

so 

employed 

No.  Of 
illegitimate 
births 

Percentage 

6,417 

6,065 

3,943 

3,641 

187 

2.9 

13 

,21 

13 

.33 

6 

.165 

2,536 

1,771 

340 

4 

.158 

2 

.112 

2 

.59 

392 

1 

.25 

1,264 

0 

.000 

* * * 


Showing  percentage  of  mothers  of  illegitimate  children  in 
Milwaukee,  who  were  domestics. 


1908 


58% 


1909 

1910 

1911 

1912 

1913 

67.3% 

64.7% 

62.2% 

63% 

60.4% 

Average— 02.6% 


Domestics 


Eeport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


139 


Showing  percentage  of  mothers  of  illegitimate  children  in 
Milwaukee,  who  were  between  the  ages  of  19  and  25  at  time  of 
birth  of  the  child. 


1908  ■ 

1909 

1910 

1911 

1912 

1913 

Between  ages  of  19  and  25.... 

56.6% 

55.2% 

61.2% 

Averag 

60.6% 

e-58% 

56% 

58.4% 

* 


Table  sho-wing  illegitimate  births  in  Wisconsin  for  1910,  classi- 
fied according  to  the  occupation  of  the  mother. 


414 

3 

108 

2 

91 

2 

75 

Cashier  

2 

22 

1 

19 

1 

25 

1 

15 

Laundress  

3 

9 

1 

8 

14 

1 

9 

2 

3 

Total 

831 

The  above  figures  have  been  furnished  by  the  State  Board 
of  Health  and  have  been  compiled  from  the  original  birth  cer- 
tificates filed  in  that  department.  If  from  the  total  of  831  are 
deducted  the  91  not  stated  and  19  unknown,  the  total  will  be  721. 
The  number  of  domestics  (414)  is  57.4%  of  this  latter  total. 

# * * 

Showing  proportions  of  various  female  occupations  in  other 
cities  compared  with  Milwaukee. 


Occupation. 

Milwaukee 

Lowell,  Mass. 

New  York 

6,417 

1,248 

11,046 

113.409 

6,065 

108,723 

3,943 

413 

46,181 

3,641 

2,536 

1,771 

488 

38,850 

258 

33,769 

540 

21,683 

340 

217 

8,958 

392 

7,504 

1,264 

251 

12,096 

140 


Keport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


In  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  where  there  is  comparatively  little 
female  labor  in  factories,  the  figures  given  for  illegitimacy  are  not 
nnnsual.  Thus,  in  the  city  of  Milwaukee  there  are  more  than  6,000 
domestics  and  only  a little  over  6,000  factory  girls,  whereas  in  the 
city  of  Lowell,  Mass.,  v/hich  is  about  one-fourth  as  large  as  Mil- 
waukee, there  are  1,000  domestics  and  11,000  factory  girls.  The 
proportion  of  factory  girls  and  domestics  in  the  city  of  New  York 
is  approximately  the  same  as  that  for  Milwaukee.  With  these 
facts  in  mind,  it  is  not  surprising  to  the  well  informed  person,  that 
from  58  to  67  per  cent  of  all  illegitimate  births  in  the  city  of  Mil- 
waukee, and  about  62  per  cent  of  the  illegitimate  births  in  the 
state  as  a whole,  are  contributed  by  domestics.  It  has  often  been 
noted  by  other  investigations  and  by  social  workers  all  over  the 
United  States,  that  women  in  domestic  seiudce  contribute  largely 
to  the  number  of  illegitimate  children  that  are  brought  into  the 
world,  so  that  the  condition  in  the  city  of  J\Iilwaukee  is  not  in  any 
way  unusual.  In  the  city  of  Milwaukee,  it  should  be  noted  that 
2.9  per  cent  of  all  the  domestics  of  the  city  gave  birth  to  illegiti- 
mate children,  whereas  the  next  largest  proportion  to  give  births 
to  illegitimate  children  was  waitresses,  at  .59  per  cent. 

In  drawing  conclusions  from  the  statistics  of  illegitimacy  there 
is  a large  consideration  to  be  kept  in  view.  It  is  the  fact  that 
for  various  years,  of  the  total  number  of  mothers  in  klilwau- 
kee  giving  birth  to  illegitimate  children,  from  63  to  107  were  non- 
resident persons.  Furthermore,  there  must  have  been  a large 
number  of  women  who  left  the  city  and  went  to  other  places  where 
they  were  not  known,  in  order  to  escape  detection  by  their  friends 
and  acquaintances. 

In  the  figures  for  the  city  of  Milwaukee  one  group  is  especially 
noteworthy.  That  is  those  classified  as  “at  home.”  It  is  seen 
that  with  the  exception  of  the  year  1912,  there  has  been  an  abso- 
lute increase  during  the  past  six  years,  the  number  growing  from 
4 in  1908,  to  26  in  1913. 

One  other  criticism  of  the  figures  given  for  the  city  of  IMilwau- 
kee  should  be  noted.  This  is  the  fact  that  an  average  of  58  per 
cent  of  all  mothers  giving  births  to  illegitimate  children  were  be- 
tween the  ages  of  19  and  25.  This  is  what  would  be  expected, 
in  view  of  the  fact  that  at  this  time  the  highest  period  of  sexual 
phenomena  maintains,  and  also  in  view  of  the  fact  that  at  this 
age  there  is  probably  a larger  number  of  women  working  away 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee, 


141 


from  home  and  outside  of  the  protection  of  members  of  their  own' 
family  than  at  any  other. 

The  figures  for  the  state  as  a whole  are  comparable  to  the  figures 
for  the  city  of  Milwaukee.  We  do  not  have  a statement  extending 
through  a long  period  for  the  state  as  a whole,  a.s  for  Milwaukee, 
but  there  is  an  indication  of  a parallel  condition  throughout  the 
state. 


(Statements' in  regard  to  domestic  servants.) 

(See  table  of  illegitimacy.  See  also  Report  of  Industrial 
School  for  Girls.) 

Dr.  R.  G.  Sayle,  page  71.  “These  figures  show  60%  illegiti- 
macy in  domestics  in  this  city.  They  have  not  been  in  society 
as  much  as  others.  They  have  not  learned  how  to  have  abor- 
tion as  much  as  others,  and  a great  many  domestics  are  higher 
minded  than  other  girls  as  far  as  committing  crimes  are  con- 
cerned. I have  known  domestics  who  have  become  mothers  and 
have  made  the  statement : “ I did  not  kill  the  baby.  ’ ’ They  are 
girls  away  from  home  and  girls  who  do  not  know  as  much  as 
other  girls  that  may  have  the  means  of  getting  out  of  the  preg- 
nant condition.  They  go  on  until  it  is  too  late.  There  are  a 
great  many  girls  who  go  away  from  home  to  become  domestics. 
They  are  away  from  home  influences  and  are  imposed  on.  I do 
not  believe  that  domestics  more  often  become  pregnant  or 
that  their  morality  is  lower  than  that  of  any  other  class  of 
girls.  They  less  often  have  abortions.  They  keep  the  secret 
longer  and  do  not  have  abortion  produced.  As  far  as  morality 
is  concerned,  I do  not  believe  that  it  would  be  found  to  be  true 
that  a domestic  is  more  sporty  than  others.” 

Dr.  Harrington,  Milwaukee,  page  42.  Gives  as  a reason  for 
the  domestic  situation  that  the  life  of  the  servant  girl  is  more 
lonely  than  the  life  of  the  girl  who  works  in  the  store,  shop  or 
factory.  “She  sees  less  of  society  and  craves  more  for  social 
life;  added  to  the  fact  that  the  girl  who  takes  up  domestic 
service  is  not  quite  as  keen  and  not  quite  as  able  to  fight  her 
own  battle  and  avoid  danger.  I think  this  is  more  often  to  be 
found  in  the  servant  girl  than  in  the  girl  who  has  taken  a posi- 
tion in  the  factory  or  shop.” 

City  No.  59,  page  103.  Miss “I  think  somebody 

answered  a question  in  reference  to  the  large  number  of  down- 
falls of  the  domestics.  I think  that  is  very  largely  due  to  the 
fact  that  the  average  domestic  has  no  place  to  which  she  wishes 


142  Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

to  bring  a gentleman  friend,  and  sbe  therefore  resorts  to  all 
sorts  of  places;  joy  riding  to  parks  and  to  other  places  because 
she  does  not  like  to  sit  in  the  kitchen  -with  him,  especially  if 
she  comes  from  the  country,  where  the  hired  girl  and  the  fam- 
ily are  on  the  same  plane.  When  she  comes  to  the  city  she  can- 
not recognize  the  reason  ivhy  she  should  receive  her  friends  in 
the  kitchen,  while  in  the  country  the  hired  girls  go  out  the 
front  door,  and  stay  with  the  family,  as  we  know.  One  great 
reason  is  that  the  domestic  servants  do  not  have  separate  rooms. 
Architects  have  not  provided  separate  rooms,  except  in  case 
of  the  rich,  separate  parlors  in  the  young  ladies’  home  to  re- 
ceive their  gentlemen  friends.  I know  a great  many  girls  that 
think  to  receive  gentlemen  friends  in  a clean  kitchen  is  not  all 
right,  and  I think  it  is  not  all  right  to  the  girl.  I think  the 
downfall  among  domestics  would  be  reduced  veuy  largely  if 
we  were  to  have  a decent  place  in  the  home  to  receive  a man 
caller.  Girls  prefer  to  work  in  stores  and  factories  rather  than 
as  domestics,  because  ’ the  hours  are  regular  and  there  is  no 
union  for  hired  girls,  and  the  hours  in  the  stores  are  regular 
and  they  are  put  upon  a different  social  plane.  It  is  our  atti- 
tude toward  our  domestic  servants  that  makes  domestics  prefer 

to  work  in  the  store.  I know  a girl  who  worked  in 

store  before  she  came  to  us.  She  left  a dear  friend  of  hers  to 
go  clerking.  She  said  that  the  reason  she  came  to  us  was  that 
at  the  end  of  the  week  she  had  the  money  we  gave  her,  where- 
as working  in  the  store  she  had  to  pay  half  or  all  of  it  for 
board,  and  had  practically  nothing  left.  It  was  the  first  time 
she  ever  tried  domestic  service  and  she  looked  upon  it  as  a 
great  benefit,  getting  something  out  of  it  at  the  end  of  the 
week  as  compared  with  the  clerk.  But  there  are  the  hours 
and  all  sorts  of  things,  especially  where  there  are  children  in 
the  family  to  look  after  evenings,  if  their  mothers  are  out. 
There  is  a great  problem  as  to  hours. 

Mrs Superior,  page  301.  “It  is  a fact  that  many 

girls  working  in  domestic  service  are  required  to  eat  their 
meals  in  the  kitchen  or  off  by  themselves ; are  required  to 
keep  out  of  the  parlors  of  the  homes  and  keep  in  a subordinate 
position,  being  assigned  to  bedrooms  that  are  cold,  etc.  Do 
those  conditions  or  any  of  them  contribute  to  the  down- 
fall of  domestics?  I think  that  has  a great  deal  to  do  with 
making  girls  discontented.  On  the  other  hand,  one  cannot 
take  them  entirely  into  one’s  home,  because  they  simply  cease 
to  be  servants.  They  lose  their  place,  and  I think  as  house- 
wives, if  we  give  them  good  pleasant  rooms  and  comfortable 
kitchens,  with  the  privilege  of  evenings  in  the  dining  room — 
and  a large  part  of  them  prefer  to  eat  in  the  kitchen — and  the 


Eeport  op.  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


143 


privilege  of  having  friends  at  the  house,  I think  we  can  elimi- 
nate a lot  of  discontent.” 

Miss , Madison,  page  20.  “I  think  the  principal 

reason  is  that  the  average  domestic  is  not  well  educated  and 
is  the  easiest  to  prey  upon.  That  has  always  seemed  to  me  to 
be  the  reason.  1 think  they  are  considered  as  legitimate  prey, 
more  than  others.  1 think  the  one  thing  that  is  perhaps  par- 
ticularly to  blame  for  it  is  the  fact  that  the  domestics  have 
little  recreation  where  they  can  meet  on  a common  level  or 
meet  people.  I think  the  Y.  W.  C.  A.  is  doing  the  best  work 
of  any  in  that  line,  in  having  some  place  to  go  outside  of  their 
working  hours.  They  do  some  very  good  work  here  in  that 
line.  1 believe  the  reason  that  they  don’t  desire  to  go  into 
domestic  service  as  much  as  into  factories  and  clerking,  is  on 
acconnt  of  the  money  domestics  receive.” 

Dr.  Sullivan,  Madison,  page  28.  “As  far  as  domestics  are 
concerned,  they  have  few  friends.  Any  sympathy  extended  to 
them  is  quickly  accepted,  and  they  are  betrayed.” 

, Sheboygan,  page  71.  “Why  do  girls  prefer  to 

work  in  factories  or  stores  ? 1 think  it  is  a matter  of  independ- 
ence, so  they  can  do  as  they  please.  And  there  is  something 
about  servants; — they  are  really  looked  down  upon,  and  it  is 
not  just.  It  is  not  just  when  you  hear  the  ladies  go  into  the 
store  and  speak  about  their  servant  girls.  It  is  natural  for 
the  girls  to  say:  “We  can  be  independent.”  I do  not  feel  that 
the  factory  girl  or  the  girl  working  in  the  store  is  a bit  above 
them.  They  seem  to  like  to  get  in  contact  with  more  people. 
It  seems  to  be  nicer  for  young  girls  to  be  in  company.  They 
do  not  like  to  be  just  at  one  home.  They  meet  all  kinds  of 
people  there  as  friends,  and  it  seems  to  me  that  if  they  could 
have  the  same  hours  and  nothing  more  expected  of  them,  it 
might  possibly  help  some.” 

Victor  Berger,  Milwaukee,  page  111.  A.  I can  give  you  a 
solution  right  now.  If  you  will  give  a girl  an  eight  hour  day 
so  she  will  come  at  seven  or  eight  in  the  morning,  and  go  home 
by  five,  and  in  the  meantime  let  the  lady  of  the  house  help  or 
keep  two  girls ; if  you  let  the  hired  girl  have  the  evenings  to 
herself  and  treat  her  like  any  other  member  of  the  working 
class,  then  you  would  improve  her  condition  immensely,  and 
they  would  not  furnish  such  a percentage  of  prostitutes.  In 
my  own  home  we  have  had  a hired  girl  for  sixteen  years.  We 
treat  her  nicely  and  as  a member  of  the  family. 

Q.  Do  you  have  two  girls  there?  A.  No  sir,  one  girl. 


144  Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

Q.  Does  she  liave  an  eight  hour  day?  A.  No,  but  I would  be 
willing  to  give  it  to  her  if  anybody  else  did,  right  aAvay.  The 
mere  fact  that  she  stays  sixteen  years  shows  she  is  pretty  well 
satisfied.  This  girl  has  her  evenings  to  herself,  reads  the 
papers,  goes  to  the  theater.  She  reads  the  Leader  every  night 
and  criticises  the  editorials. 

Mrs Sheboygan’,  page  109.  “I  believe  the  rea 

son  girls  in  domestic  service  fall  is  the  fact  that  they  have 
found  their  work  monotonous,  inasmuch  as  they  really  are  not 
interested  in  it,  and  that  their  early  training  has  not  been 
right.  It  stands  to  reason  that  men  should  do  the  providing 
and  women  should  look  after  the  homes,  and  if  that  is 
done  and  people  are  taught  that  housework  is  an  art  and  should 
not  be  despised,  I believe  that  would  be  a remedy.  I believe 
that  everyone  should  have  some  amusement,  for  ‘ ‘ all  work  and 
no  play  makes  Jack  a dull  boy.” 

Mrs Sheboygan,  page  120.  “There  are  several 

reasons  why  girls  dislike  housework.  One  reason  is  that  they 
are  comiielled  to  put  in  long  hours,  working  evenings  and  af- 
ternoons. When  they  are  done  with  their  work  it  is  usually 
late.  I think  they  are  oftentimes  looked  down  upon  by  the 
employer.  ’ ’ 

Mrs , Oshkosh,  page  35.  “I  think  girls  prefer 

factory  and  store  work  to  domestic  service,  because  they  have 
their  evenings,  and  then  I think  they  have  a mistaken  idea  that 
they  are  in  a little  higher  station  in  life  if  they  are  working  in 
a factory  or  store  than  if  they  are  working  in  the  kitchen.  Of 
course,  that  is  not  the  fact  at  all,  and  the  girl  who  works  in 
the  kitchen  can  make  more  than  the  girl  who  teaches  school 
in  the  ward  school.  She  can  save  more  money,  because  it  is 
all  clear  gain  with  her.  The  girl  who  teaches  school  dresses 
much  better;  she  wears  out  her  clothes  faster;  she  has  to  con- 
tribute to  things  that  the  girl  in  the  kitchen  doesn’t  have  to.” 

Abortion. 

At  the  suggestion  of  a woman  physician  of  this  state,  the  com- 
mittee requested  its  investigators  to  investigate  the  prevalence 
of  the  practice  of  abortion,  and  the  sale  of  drugs  and  appliances  to 
secure  premature  birth.  The  committee  was  soon  furnished  with 
a number  of  reports  showing  that  there  is  a large  number  of  phy- 
sicians and  midwives  who  not  only  perform  operations  for  abor- 
tion, but  even  encourage  this  practice.  This  material  was  secured 


Keport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


145 


with  comparative  ease,  and  in  tlie  cities  where  investigations  were 
made  along  this  line,  there  is  abundant  evidence  of  the  common- 
ness of  this  practice.  In  one  small  city  the  investigators  readily 
found  two  doctors  who  were  willing  to  take  eases  for  abortion.  In 
another  city  six  doctors  were  found. 

According  to  the  testimony  of  certain  physicians  at  the  hear- 
ings of  this  committee  , a large  majority  of  applicants  for  abortion 
operations  are  married  women.  On  the  other  hand,  many  in- 
stances were  cited  in  which  the  evidence  showed  that  unmarried 
girls  are  being  advised  of  this  way  out  of  a difficulty  and  were  con- 
sequently more  ready  to  take  a chance  than  they  would  otherwise 
be.  The  spread  of  this  practice  undorxhtedly  contributes  to  the 
growth  of  prostitution  in  Wisconsin.  There  is  some  discussion  of 
this  subject  under  the  head  of  illegitimacy,  to  which  the  reader  is 
referred  (page  137). 


(Reports  of  Investigators.) 


Dr City  12%.  Found  him  a very  large  man, 

German,  who  spoke  English  with  a German  accent.  Has  very 
plainly  furnished  room.  He  invited  me  into  a small  front  ex- 
amination room.  Told  him  the  same  story  I had  told  in  re- 
gard to  a girl,  and  that  she  had  sent  me.  He  said,  “Sure,  I will 
help  her  out,  and  she, needn’t  worry  about  the  after  effects  of  it. 

Mrs knows  I have  helped  out  many  a girl — some  of 

them  in  society  in  this  town  today — but  no  one  is  the  wiser, 
because  the  doctor  and  everyone  else  concerned  has  to  keep 
still  about  it.”  He  said  the  price  was  $50.00  cash, — that  she 
would  be  ill  for  ten  days  or  two  weeks,  and  that  covered  the 
whole  amount  of  treatment.  He  then  said  doctors  had  to  be 
very  careful  as  this  is  a dangerous  business  and  a penitentiary 
offense,  so  required  those  whom  he  treated  to  sign  a statement 
that  they  had  themselves  used  drugs  which  he  named — with- 
out his  knowledge.  Said  that  made  no  difference  to  the  girl, 
but  it  was  a protection  to  him,  in  case  some  one  found  it  out 
and  tried  to  make  trouble.  He  then  asked  where  she  stayed. 
I said  that  I thouglit  she  would  try  to  get  a room  with  some 
colored  person.  He  said  tliey  might  talk, — she  had  better  go 
to  Mrs.  W.  X.  Y.  I then  left,  promising  to  let  my  friend  know 
at  once. 

“I  then  called  at  the  office  of  Dr.  W.  X.  K.  I waited  in  the 
reception  room  for  a few  moments  and  saw  him  in  his  private 
office.  I told  my  story  of  a girl  in  trouble.  He  was  willing  to 
take  the  case,  and  asked  me  her  a^e.  I told  him  about  16  years. 
He  said  his  charges  were  $50.00.  He  said,  “When  she  comes, 


lo-v.  o. 


146  Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee, 

bring  ber  right  up  here  to  me  so  no  other  doctor  gets  hold  of 
her  and  finds  out  her  plans,  as  some  are  a bad  lot  and  might 
squeal  on  us  and  get  us  all  in  trouble.  Don’t  even  tell  Mrs. 
W.  X.  H.  that  I said  I would  take  the  ease.  Tell  her  I turned 
you  down  fiat,  because,  I don’t  even  let  her  know  any  more 
than  she  already  knows.  Not  that  she  Avouldn’t  remain  true, 
but  for  fear  she  might  speak  of  some  of  my  cases  to  some 
friends  she  thinks  are  all  right  but  are  not.”  I left  him  say- 
ing I was  going  at  once  to  my  friend. 

Dr City  No.  39,  page  16.  After  wating  more  than 

half  an  hour  in  her  reception  room,  was  admitted  to  her  priv- 
ate office.  I told  her  a young  girl  was  in  trouble  and  wanted  to 
be  helped  out  before  her  parents  found  it  out.  She  asked  how 
far  along  she  was.  I said  about  three  months.  She  said,  “She 
is  too  far  along  for  medicine  to  do  any  good,  so  I am  afraid  I 
can’t  touch  it,  because  I don’t  want  to  ruin  my  practice  with 
such  business.”  Further  said,  “Why  don’t  she  go  through  with 
it?”  My  answer  was  that  owing  to  her  mother’s  ill  health  and 
her  social  position  that  she  feared  the  consequences.  Then  she 
said,  “I  know  of  a woman  doctor  who  does  such  things;  in 
fact  that  is  about  all  her  practice  now.  It  has  become  gener- 
ally known  that  she  takes  such  cases,  although  I don’t  like' her 
for  it.  If  you  go  to  her,  I am  sure  she  will  do  it.”  She  further 
named  her  price.  Also  said,  “She  has  also  stuck  some  girls, 
for  all  there  was  in  it  after  she  found  the  fellow  or  her  folks 

would  come  across,  so  watch  out  for  that.  She  is  Dr 

I left  for  that  address. 

City  56,  page  70.  Found  Dr.  WX.  7 in  his  office.  Was  ad- 
mitted to  his  private  office.  It  was  in  such  disorder,  trash, 
bottles,  papers,  and  clothing  scattered  everywhere  that  it 
might  have  been  taken  for  a free-for-all  instead  of  a physi- 
cian’s consultation  room.  I told  him  my  story  of  a friend  in 
trouble  about  four  months  along,  who  Avanted  to  be  helped 
out  of  it  before  her  parents  discovered  it.  He  said  he  would 
take  the  ease  but  the  difficulties  were  to  find  a place  Avhere  she 
could  be  safely  hidden  from  gossip.  He  said  that  the  doctors 

watch  each  other  very  closely  since  ’s  conviction 

and  sentence  to  state’s  prison.  Further  said  he  Avould  place 
her  in  a sanitarium  Avhere  she  could  get  splendid  care  for  $100 
and  would  be  well  in  a week ; that  he  Avould  make  all  arrange- 
ments for  her  admittance  and  accompany  her  there  himself. 

City  56,  page  71.  Found  him  Avilling  to  take  the  ease. 
Said,  “Send  your  friend  in  to  make  arrangements,  as  I Avould 
want  to  talk  to  her  so  as  to  be  sure  she  would  keep  still.”  I 


147 


Keport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

said  she  was  at (city)  and  had  asked  me  to  make  ar- 

rahgements  for  her  so  she  would  be  cared  for  when  she  came. 
Then  he  said  that  was  a different  matter.  “If  she  hasn’t  her 
own  home  here  where  she  can  be  cared  for  until  she  is  all  right, 
it  will  be  hard  to  find  a place  where  she  could  stay  through 
such  an  illness  without  it  becoming  known,  so  I cannot  do  any- 
thing for  her  under  these  circumstances.  I can  make  an  exam- 
ination of  her  and  send  her  to  a doctor  friend  of  mine  in  Chi- 
cago, who  has  an  office  where  she  can  be  eared  for.’’  I said, 
“Could  she  go  direct  to  him  in  Chicago?’’  He  said,  “No,  I 
would  have  to  make  an  examination  first,  then  give  her  a card 
with  a special  mark  on  it,  so  the  case  would  be  accepted  as  all 
right.  Otherwise  she  would  be  turned  down.  She  can  remain 
here  at  the  hotel  where  she  will  be  attended  to  properly,  and 
the  best  of  accommodations  given  and  care  taken  for  $100.00.’’ 
This  sum  was  named  after  stating  the  prices  at  the  different 
stages.  He  said  she  would  be  all  right  again  in  a week.  I left 
him  with  the  expectation  that  my  friend  would  see  him  Mon- 
day.- 

Dr City  68,  page  197.  After  waiting  in  the  par- 

lor, was  admitted  to  her  private  office  and  told  her  my  story 
of  a friend  in  trouble.  She  asked  me  how  far  along,  and  I said 
I thought  about  three  months.  She  said  she  would  give  her 
some  medicine  for  $5.00  that  was  sure  to  cause  miscarriage, 
but  would  not  perform  aii  operation,  even  though  the  medi- 
cine failed.  Said  she  had  given  this  medicine  in  many  cases, 
and  it  so  powerful  that  they  say  it  has  never  failed  to  work. 
Then  said,  in  case  it  should  not  work  in  my  friend’s  ease,  she 

can  go  to  Dr I have  been  told  a number  of  times 

that  he  performs  operations  and  success  seems  to  attend  them. 
I left  her  undecided  as  to  what  my  friend  would  do  about  her 
operation. 


LAW  ENFOECEMENT. 

The  most  effective  recommendation  that  this  committee  can 
make  to  improve  moral  conditions  is  that  the  laws  and  ordinances 
now  on  the  statute  books  be  strictly  enforced.  In  many  of  those 
cities  where  saloons  and  liquor  interests  dominate  the  nomination 
and  election  of  public  officials  the  moral  and  excise  laws  are  not 
enforced.  These  interests  are  ever  active  to  secure  the  nomina- 
tion and  election  of  men  who  are  in  sympathy  with  their  business, 
regardless  of  political  affiliation.  In  cities  apparently  controlled 


148 


Eeport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


by  li(iuor  interests,  officers  frankly  admit  that  they  disregard 
their  sworn  duty,  for  the  following  reasons ; 

Because  if  they  perform  their  duty,  public  sentiment  would 
not  sustain  them,  and  they  could  not  hold  their  position  and 
secure  reelection. 

Because  the  general  public  does  not  support  officers  in  their 
efforts  to  fulfill  their  oath  of  office  in  regard  to  houses  of  pros- 
titution and  vice.  That  they  make  enemies  of  the  law-breakers 
and  receive  no  credit  from  the  law-abiding  citizens.  When  he 
faithfully  performs  his  duty  the  officer  is  not  commended  as  a 
faithful  servant. 

That  it  is  not  the  duty  of  officers  to  institute  proceedings; 
that  they  are  to  act  only  after  some  private  citizen  has  taken 
the  initiative,  made  complaint,  and  obtained  the  evidence,  and 
that  then  they  wall  serve  papers  and  try  eases.  The  usual  ex- 
cuses offered  are,  in  the  words  of  district  attorneys,  sheriffs, 
police,  etc. : 

"I  do  not  consider  that  I am  a sleuth.” 

“I  do  not  act  on  gossip  or  reputation.” 

“The  public  does  not  assist  me.” 

“Juries  will  not  convict.” 

“The  public  does  not  give  me  credit  for  acts  done.” 

“I  know  of  open  houses,  but  no  one  complains.” 

“I  think  by  closing  these  houses  it  Avould  make  the  city 
worse.” 

“I  think  public  sentiment  wants  them  to  run  and  justifies 
my  violating  my  oath  of  office.” 

I don’t  enforce  those  laAVS  (against  practices)  that  I belicA'e 
will  not  do  harm.” 

“I  think  it  (a  house  of  prostitution)  is  a necessity.” 

“There  are  a lot  of  statutes  I do  not  believe  in  and  Avill  not 
prosecute  without  a warrant.” 

“It  is  not  my  duty  to  see  that  they  (houses  of  prostitution) 
are  cleaned  up.” 

“The  sentiment  of  the  people  is  the  controlling  force  regard- 
ing enforcement  of  law.” 

“I  think  my  judgment  is  better  than  the  judgment  of  the 
legislature  or  common  council,  as  a guardian  of  the  morals  of 
the  city.” 

“My  judgment  is  as  good,  if  not  a little  better,  than  some 
others  making  laws  on  this  subject.” 

“My  oath  of  office  does  not  bind  me  to  enforce  any  law.” 

“My  oath  of  office  means  that  I shall  use  my  judgment.” 

A few  of  the  statements  follow : 

Statement  of  District  Attorney,  La  Crosse,  page  104.  “I 

have  an  obligation  regarding  the  investigation  of  crime  and 


Report  of  tpie  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


149 


in  secnring  evidence  if  crime  is  reported  to  me,  but  not  until 
after  it  is  reported  or  I have  some  knowledge.  I do  not  go  far 
on  gossip  or  reputation.  I do  not  consider  that  I am  a sleuth 
as  well  as  a prosecuting  attorney.” 

Page  57.  “I  will  say  right  here  that  nine  out  of  ten  will 
criticise  before  they  will  assist,  and  they  will  file  complaints, 
and  Avhen  it  is  run  doAvn  there  is  nothing  to  it.  If  they  would 
only  assist  one-half  as  much  as  they  criticise,  we  Avould  cer- 
tainly have  a model  government  in  this  county.  We  are  not 
looking  for  praise.  We  are  giving  service  to  the  people,  and 
it  is  our  duty  to  do  what  is  right  and  what  is  fair,  but  of  course 
kind  words  said  Avhen  you  perform  acts, — we  all  know  that 
helps.” 

Statement  of  District  Attorney,  Oshkosh,  page  48.  “Noth- 
ing has  been  done  with  the  Linley  LaAV.  As  I understand,  it 
is  a civil  proceeding  to  get  an  injunction.  My  position  on  that 
Avas  that  if  they  closed  there  Avas  no  necessity  of  using  that 
laAV.  If  they  remained  open  and  juries  Avould  not  convict,  then 
Ave  could  resort  to  that  laAv.” 

Statement  of  Sheriff  , Sheboygan,  page  130.  “I 

haA^e  had  information  that  there  Avere  three  houses  of  prosti- 
tution running  in  this  city.  There  have  been  no  complaints, 
and  they  are  not  objectionable  here.  As  to  Avhy  I did  not  close 
these  houses,  let  me  say  that  Ave  have  about  six  hundred  Greeks 
in  this  city  Avho  are  single,  three  or  four  hundred  Lithuanians, 
and  about  as  many  Austrians.  A large  number  of  the  foreign 
people  Ave  have  are  single  men,  and  I think  by  closing  these 
houses  it  Avould  make  the  city  Avorse  than  it  is.  I admit  that  if 
a crime  is  being  committed  you  do  not  need  a complaint,  but 
in  these  eases  no  complaints  ever  come  to  me  at  any  time.  My 
adAuce  is  that  I think  if  Ave  did  close  the  houses,  Ave  Avould  have 
a Avorse  state  than  Ave  had  before.  I don’t  think  I could  better 
it  any  by  doing  my  duty.  I understand  that  half  of  the  pros- 
titutes’ earnings,  in  this  city,  is  paid  to  the  madam  they  live 
Avith,  and  I knoAV  a felony  is  being  committed  Avhen  a person 
receives  these  moneys,  and  he  is  subject  to  punishment  in  the 
penitentiary.  My  justification  to  the  people  of  this  county  for 
permitting  this  crime  to  continually  be  committed  here  is  to 
protect  others.  If  stealing  Avere  going  on  I Avould  not  consider 
the  effect  on  the  other  parts  of  the  city,  but  would  certainly 
stop  it.  I tbink  that  public  sentiment  Avants  it  to  run,  and  that 
justifies  me  to  a certain  extent,  in  Adolating  my  oath  of  office.” 

Statement  of , Chief  of  Police,  Sheboygan,  page 

142.  “I  am  aAvare  of  minors  playing  pool  and  billiards  in  the 


150 


Eeport  of  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


pool  rooms  at  the  age  of  about  nineteen  or  twenty,  and  know 
that  it  is  a violation  of  the  state  law.  I was  thinking  that 
while  they  were  in  there  they  were  out  of  trouble,  as  long  as 
there  is  no  gambling  allowed  ivith  pool,  and  I did  not  think 
there  was  any  harm.  I don’t  enforce  those  laws  that  I think 
will  not  do  harm.” 

“In  regard  to  the  house  Avhich  was  ordered  closed,  I have 
explained  to  some  of  those  who  signed  that  petition  that  they 
can  go  on  the  stand  and  swear  to  it.  I have  talked  with  a num- 
ber of  people,  and  the  general  opinion  of  the  people  of  the  city 
seems  to  be  that  it  would  be  best  to  run  those  houses.” 

Statement  of  Sheriff,  Marinette,  page  31.  “There  are  a lot 
of  statutes  that  I do  not  believe  in  and  I would  not  prosecute 
without  a warrant.  There  are  certain  things  that  I would  not 
enforce  here  because  the  people  of  the  community  do  not  want 
them  enforced.  I am  elected  by  the  people  of  this  county,  and 
there  will  be  no  crime  committed  in  the  coimty  as  long  as  I am 
sheriff  and  I can  avoid  it.  I don’t  care  whether  the  saloons  are 
open  on  Sundays  or  not ; I am  not  mayor.  It  is  not  my  duty 
to  see  that  they  are  closed  up.  I know  the  saloons  are  open  on 
Sunday,  and  I know  the  people  of  this  town  want  it.  I don't 
know  whether  it  is  a part  of  my  duties  or  not.  I would  recom- 
mend that  vou  change  the  laws  on  certain  things,  consider- 
ably.” 

Statement  of  Chief  of  Police,  Green  Bay,  page  60.  “The 
keeping  of  the  saloons  open  on  Sunday  is  an  open  violation  of 
the  law.  I never  informed  the  officers  to  enforce  the  state  law 
or  informed  myself.  I never  was  informed  not  to  enforce  it. 
The  saloons  in  this  city  are  open  on  Sundaj^,  and  they  have  a 
right  to  be,  as  I understand  it.  I understand  we  have  in  the 
city  a house  of  prostitution  where  liquor  is  sold.  If  not,  they 
will  get  it  there  pretty  quick.  They  most  assuredly  have  a gov- 
ernment permit.  AVe  have  had  no  complaints.  You  would  not 
know  the  thing  was  running.” 

Statement  of  Mayor,  Green  Bay,  page  72.  I have  not  di- 
rected the  police  to  take  action  against  the  houses  of  prostitu- 
tion, because  I think  it  is  perhaps  best  for  the  morals  of  the 
people  that  they  run,  and  I do  not  think  it  is  violating  my 
oath  of  office.  I think  if  the  committee  Avere  in  my  position 
and  could  see  things  as  I see  them  they  Avould  take  the  same 
stand.  I think  public  sentiment  is  generally  in  favor  of  allow- 
ing the  chief  of  police  to  perform  his  duties  to  the  best  of  his 
knoAvledge  and  belief.  The  sentiment  of  the  people  is  the  con- 
trolling force  regarding  the  enforcement  of  law.” 


Eepoet  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


151 


Page  74.  “I  think  my  judgment  as  guardian  of  the  morals 
of  the  city  of  Green  Bay  in  a way  is  better  than  the  judg- 
ment of  the  legislature  or  the  common  council.” 

Statement  of  Chief  of  Police,  Fond  du  Lac,  giage  40.  “Pub- 
lic sentiment  is  the  cause  of  the  nonenforcement  of  law.  I take 
my  orders  from  the  Mayor,  on  the  sporting  house  proposition. 
I believe  that  the  police  of  this  city  could  enforce  the  law  so  a 
Avoman  would  be  protected  if  those  houses  were  closed.  I 
knoAV  road  houses  are  a bad  thing  as  to  assisting  the  enforce- 
ment of  the  law  of  this  city.” 

Statement  of  Mayor  of  Ashland,  page  104.  “It  would  take 
me  and  the  chief  of  police  fifteen  minutes  to  close  that  district, 
if  I said  so.” 

From  the  above  it  appears  that  drastic  measures  must  be  taken 
to  cause  officers  either  to  enforce  the  law  or  resign.  If  the  laws 
in  force  are  wrong  and  cause  injury  to  the  public,  they  ought  to 
be  repealed.  Laws  are  the  greatest  educators,  but  laws  not  en- 
forced are  the  greatest  enemies  to  the  community,  in  breeding 
disrespect  of  law  and  its  enforcement.  For  the  easier  enforce- 
ment of  laws,  all  officers  should  recognize  the  binding  force  of 
their  oath  of  office. 

For  the  improvement  of  conditions  due  to  commercialized  vice, 
the  liquor  traffic  and  allied  interests,  the  following  recommenda- 
tions are  made : 

In  order  that  definite  information  may  be  obtained  the  committee 
believes  there  should  be  a systematic  handling  of  complaints  and 
permanent  records  should  be  made,  and  that  it  should  be  the  duty 
of  every  law  enforcing  officer  to  file  and  index  in  his  office,  for 
public  inspection,  every  complaint  or  anonymous  communication 
that  comes  to  him  and  attach  to  it  a written  report  of  his  action 
upon  it.  By  this  method  the  state  Avill  put  its  police  department 
on  an  efficiency  basis,  and  will  have  a record  as  to  whether  or  not 
the  facts  reported  have  been  dealt  with.  Provision  should  be 
made  for  obtaining  access  to  these  reports  at  any  time  the  public 
is  desirous  of  knowing  the  conditions.  With  knowledge  that  the 
public  may  investigate  their  actions  and  any  explanations  that 
may  be  offered,  it  appears  that  more  painstaking  investigations 
would  be  made  by  law  enforcing*  officers. 


152 


Eepokt  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Direct  regulation  of  the  liquor  traffic.  Abolition  of  wine 
rooms,  palm  gardens,  family  entrances  and  stalls. 

No  one  can  read  the  reports  of  investigators  or  the  testimony 
of  witnesses  taken  at  the  hearings,  as  to  the  cause  of  the  downfall 
of  girls,  and  not  he  convinced  at  once  that  more  women  have  fallen 
on  account  of  their  use  of  liquor,  and  because  of  frequenting  wine 
rooms,  palm  gardens  or  saloons  with  bed  accommodations,  than 
from  any  other  cause.  This  condition  is  found  to  exist,  as  shown 
by  the  extracts  of  reports  and  testimony  referred  to  hereinbefore, 
and  furnishes  the  reason  for  the  reports  and  recoimnendations  of 
district  attorneys  of  this  state.  When  we  take  into  consideration 
the  fact  that  seventy-five  per  cent  fall  before  they  arrive  at  the 
age  of  twenty-one  years  (the  Philadelphia  Eeport  showing  that  of 
a total  of  136, 134  fell  before  the  age  of  twenty-one  years ; the  Bed- 
ford Eeformatory  Eeport  showing  93  1-3  per  cent;  the  Hartford 
Eeport  showing  36  out  of  53)  and  the  further  fact  that  the  chief 
immediate  cause  of  downfall  is  drink,  it  becomes  of  serious  con- 
cern to  the  state.  The  law  now  provides  that  no  liquor  shall  be 
sold  or  given  away  to  any  persons  under  twenty-one  years  of  age, 
but,  in  most  of  the  cities  of  the  state,  it  is  evident  that  there  is 
little  effort  made  to  enforce  the  law.  In  the  cities  where  flagrant 
immorality  exists,  proprietors  of  saloons  and  palm  gardens  do 
not  appear  to  recognize  this  law  as  applying  to  women.  The  best 
solution  of  this  difficulty  is  to  put  into  statute  law  the  follow- 
ing, which,  in  substance,  is  the  recommendation  of  fifty-two  dis- 
trict attorneys*  of  this  state:  The  law  should  pro^ude  that  if 
a saloonkeeper  desires  the  trade  of  women,  he  should  provide 
a separate  room  for  them,  with  no  connection  with  that  por- 
tion used  for  males;  and  that  neither  sex  should  be  permitted 
to  be  or  remain  in  that  portion  used  by  the  opposite  sex.  On 
account  of  the  abuses  growing  out  of  stalls,  paiditions,  etc.,  in 
saloons,  and  the  use  of  “family  entrances,”  many  cities,  by  or- 
dinance have  forbidden  the  use  of  the  same.  This  should  be 
made  a law  of  the  state,  and  the  violator  should  be  punished  by 
automatic  revocation  of  his  license. 


♦Being  all  of  the  district  attorneys  who  answered  the  question  sub- 
mitted as  to  whether  or  not  women  should  be  permitted  in  wine  rooms 
or  saloons  with  the  opposite  sex. 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


153 


, : _ Forbid  the  sale  of  liquor  at  all  dances. 

The  testimony  is  that  not  only  are  wine  rooms  and  palm  gar- 
dens connected  with  saloons,  but  also  that  they  are  frequently 
connected  with  immoral  dance  , halls  or  that  there  is  a saloon 
nearby,  to  which  couples  may  go  directly  from  the  dance,  or  from 
which  lic^uor  is  taken  to  the  dance  hall.  Past  legislation  has  rec- 
ognized the  evil  effect  of  drink  upon  girls  and  young  men  attend- 
ing dances  where  liquor  is  sold,  and  the  demoralizing  effect  upon 
them  in  being  permitted  to  attend  such  dances  unaccompanied 
by  the  father  or  mother.  (For  statute  see  section  on  dance  halls.) 

While  the  statute  apparently  seeks  to  protect  the  girl  from 
debauchery,  by  forbidding  her  to  attend  dances  in  such  places 
unless  “accompanied  by  her  father  or  mother”  (the  statute  does 
not  say  guardian  or  friend),  in  most  cases  neither  parent  is 
present.  The  statutes  (section  1557),  further  provide  that  “no 
person  shall  sell  or  give  away  to  any  minor,  intoxicating 
liquors,  even  by  the  written  order  of  the  parent  or  guardian  of  the 
minor.”  It  is  rather  difficult  to  find  the. reason  wihich  prompted 
the  legislature  to  place  the  temptation  to  drink,  before  women 
seventeen  years  of  age  and  over,  in  dance  halls ; and  it  is  difficult 
to  understand  why  this  limitation  was  not  fixed  at  twenty-one 
years  at  least,  as  that  is  the  lowest  legal  age  at  which  licpior  may 
be  sold  or  given  away  to  any  person. 

At  one  dance  attended  by  one  of  our  investigators  on  a Satur- 
day night  before  the  committee  hearing  at  that  city,  twenty-five 
girls  under  fifteen  years  of  age  were  in  attendance,  and  a police 
officer  was  present  part  of  the  time.  That  dance  hall  had  two 
bars  to  supply  the  drinks,  and  the  girls  “as  the  night  wore  on 
became  grossly  intoxicated,  and  the  scenes  were  too  terrible  to  de- 
scribe. ’ ’ This  dance  continued  until  about  three  o ’clock  Sunday 
morning.  The  manager  of  the  dance  hall  at  the  committee  hear- 
ing admitted  on  the  stand  that  all  conditions  described  by  this 
investigator  were  true,  except  that  he  did  not  think  that  the  girls 
were  intoxicated,  and  finally  claimed  that  their  parents  were 
present,  though  he  could  name  none. 

That  this  law  is  being  continually  violated  in  Milwaukee,  and 
that  the  keepers  continually  go  unpunished  is  the  statement  of 
all  witnesses  testifying  as  to  dance  hall  conditions.  That  liquor 
is  sold  to  minors  is  the  testimony  in  ....  vs , 157  Wis.  131, 


154 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


a ease  growing  out  of  the  debauchery  of  a sixteen-year-old  girl, 
by  a young  man,  after  having  attended  a dance.  This  condi- 
tion emphasizes  the  need  for  the  enactment  and  compulsory  en- 
forcement of  laws  that  will  protect  public  as  well  as  private 
rights. 

Limit  the  sale  of  liquor  under  license  to  one  floor  in  lot  and 
block  mentioned  in  license. 

The  present  law,  section  1548 — 3,  provides : ‘ ‘ The  application 
for  such  license  shall  be  in  writing  and  state  the  kind  of  license 
applied  for  and  designate  the  premises  where  such  liquors  shall  be 
sold.  ’ ’ This  wording  seems  to  be  definite,  but  by  construction  it 
has  become  so  indefinite  as  to  mean  but  little.  The  Hotel  Superior, 
for  example,  covers  thirteen  lots.  The  saloon  is  located  on  two 
lots  and  the  license  is  construed  to  permit  liquor  to  be  sold  through- 
out the  building  and  on  all  the  five  or  more  floors  of  that  hotel.  In 
other  cities  persons  are  continually  being  permitted  to  take  liquor 
from  a saloon  to  an  adjoining  restaurant,  even  though  under 
separate  ownerships,  and  it  is  there  dispensed  to  young  girls.  The 
purpose  of  police  supervision  is  thus  absolutely  defeated.  In  the 
interests  of  the  dealer,  as  well  as  in  the  interests  of  law  enforce- 
ment, this  provision  should  be  made  definite,  and  should  limit  the 
place  of  sale  to  the  floor,  lot  and  block  covered  by  the  license. 

Require  a person  having  a government  permit  to  have  a local 

license,  also. 

By  this  arrangement  a person  having  a government  permit 
would  be  required  to  give  a bond,  as  provided  by  section  1548  of 
the  statutes,  which  provides  among  other  things  ‘ ‘ that  the  licensee 
will  keep  and  maintain  an  orderly  and  well  regulated  house,” 
This  would  provide  a guarantee  that  such  places  would  be  prop- 
erly run.  The  committee  finds  that  in  Wisconsin  there  are  over 
fourteen  hundred  permits  or  tax  receipts  issued  by  the  govern- 
ment in  excess  of  the  number  of  local  licenses  issued ; and  in  the 
city  of  Superior  139  more  government  tax  receipts  are  issued, 
than  local  licenses.  It  is  found  that  every  house  of  prostitu- 
tion has  paid  a government  liquor  tax  of  $25.00 ; and  in  Mil- 
waukee the  party  or  organization  giving  dances  at  which  liquor 
is  sold,  pays  the  government  tax  of  $25.00,  but  does  not  have  a 
local  license  for  the  sale  of  liquor.  The  city  thus  loses  the  local 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee.  155 

license  fees.  In  selling  liquor  in  houses  of  prostitution,  the  cus- 
tomary price  is  $1.00  per  bottle.  If  a local  license  also  were  re- 
quired, it  would  not  only  tend  to  put  out  of  business  very  many  of 
these  houses,  but  it  would  give  the  city  the  additional  revenue, 
and  by  bond  would  place  the  responsibility  for  the  proper  conduct 
of  houses  upon  at  least  two  sureties,  by  law  required  in  the 
bond,  and  approved  by  the  authorities  granting  the  license. 

Forbid  the  issuance  of  saloon  licenses  to  any  places  having 
direct  connection  ivith  bedrooms  or  other  private  rooms. 

Laws  should  be  enacted  forbidding  the  issuance  of  a license 
to  any  saloon  that  'has  any  means  of  connection  between  the  saloon 
and  any  living  rooms  at  the  rear,  side  or  over-head,  or  any  rooms 
that  may  be  used  for  immoral  purposes.  This  is  one  of  the  worst 
conditions  existing  in  the  saloon  business  as  a breeder  of  im- 
morality. Girls  and  women  are  taken  to  these  saloons,  wine 
rooms,  and  palm  gardens,  and  when  in  a drunken  condition,  with 
their  mental  and  physical  powers  of  resistance  so  deadened  by 
drink  that  they  cannot  help  themselves,  are  taken  into  side 
rooms,  upstair-rooms  or  other  rooms.  In  all  cities  of  the  state 
where  these  sleeping  apartments  can  be  reached  from  saloons 
by  inside  connections,  immorality  is  most  prolific.  Laws  should 
be  passed  doing  away  with  such  connections. 

j 

Judgment  of  conviction  by  a court  of  any  moral  and  excise 
laws  in  saloon  should  automatically  revoke  the  license. 

The  present  method  of  revoking  a license  is  so  complicated  and 
subject  to  such  political  influence  that  unless  private  individuals 
are  ready  to  take  up  the  question,  the  council  seldom  proceeds 
even  after  the  saloon-keeper  has  been  convicted  of  selling  liquor 
in  violation  of  law.  Practically  a trial  and  conviction  are  required 
before  two  separate  bodies,  one  before  the  court,  and  another,  an 
entirely  different  process,  before  the  common  council.  It  would 
seem  that  no  objection  could  be  successfully  urged  against  pro- 
viding that  the  judgment  of  a court  after  a full  and  fair  trial, 
should  automatically  revoke  the  license.  Much  good  would  result 
from  it,  through  the  trial  being  heard  by  a judge,  free  from  poli- 
tical favors  or  interests.  Violation  of  moral  and  excise  laws 
should  produce  automatic  revocation  of  license. 


156 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Request  brewers  and  wholesale  liqour  dealers  to  assist  in  the 
enforcement  of  the  moral  and  excise  laws  by  refusing 
to  sell  liquor  to  or  furnish  bonds  for  dealers 
who  violate  such  laws. 

It  is  common  knowledge  that  the  brewers  and  wholesale  liquor 
dealers  have  within  their  grasp  the  power  that  will  make 
saloons  fully  comply  with  the  state  liquor  laws.  That  is  by 
refusing  to  sell  liquor  to  or  furnish  bonds  for  those  who  wil- 
fully violate  these  laws.  In  some  cities  it  is  found  that  some 
wholesale  dealers  have  very  materially  helped  to  improve  condi- 
tions, and  when  it  is  recognized  that  a large  majority  of  the  sa- 
loons of  the  state  are  under  the  control  of  brewers,  the  power  that 
these  interests  may  exert  in  requiring  obedience  to  law  is  evident. 
The  effect  of  cooperation,  on  the  part  of  the  wholesale  dealers 
would  be  that  local  dealers  'would  be  more  careful  not  to  violate 
the  laws  and  that  a better  class  of  men  would  be  licensed  to  carry 
on  the  saloon  business. 

Abolish  or  regulate  road  houses.  (See  also  “Road  Houses,’’ 

Page  33.) 

Road  houses  outside  of  cities,  many  of  which  are  regular  parlor 
houses  with  women  inmates,  and  country  saloons  with  furnished 
rooms  overhead  or  adjacent,  are,  according  to  all  testimony,  ex- 
ceedingly detrimental  to  morals.  They  are  outside  of  the  jur- 
isdiction and  supervision  of  the  police,  are  in  lonely,  sparstlj’  set- 
tled country  districts  a few  miles  out  from  the  city,  and  they 
furnisli  convenient  places  for  immoral  men  to  take  young  women 
by  cab,  automobile  or  motor  cycle  for  a “good  time”  and  dance. 
Here  young  girls,  sometimes  seeking  innocent  recreation,  are 
taken  and  given  liqiior,  or  even  drugs,  and  afterwards  taken  to 
tliese  furnished  rooms.  These  places  should  be  subjected  to  the 
regulations  in  a previous  section  recommended  for  dance  halls, 
saloons  with  connecting  bedrooms,  etc.,  and  to  the  restrictions 
as  to  lot  and  floor,  designated  in  the  license. 


Eeport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


157 


Age  of  consent  should  be  raised  to  at  least  eighteen  years  in  all 
cases,  and  twenty-one  years  in  case  of 
previous  chaste  character.^' 

We  must  take  into  consideration  that  no  possession  of  a woman 
is  of  as  much  value  to  her  as  is  her  honor ; yet  existing  laws 
permit  her  to  yield  this  in  childhood  at  a period  when  in  her 
innocence  and  lack  of  knowledge  she  does  not  comprehend  what 
she  is  doing  nor  the  frightful  consecpiences  of  her  act,  thus  per- 
mitting her  to  sacrifice  that  which  is  of  far  more  value  to  her 
than  her  property. 

At  neither  fourteen  nor  sixteen  years  of  age  should  a young 
woman  be  left  legally  a prey  to  the  lusts  of  scoundrels  who  seek 
her  as  a victim.  It  is  a self-evident  propositio^i  that  a girl  in 
those  unsettled  years  of  puberty  cannot  fully  realize  what  .she 
is  doing.  She  is  compelled  to  resist  not  only  her  own  impulses, 
but  those  of  her  older  male  companions,  for  it  is  usually  at  the 
instigation  of  male  adults  that  advantage  is  taken  of  her  ignor- 
ance or  her  poverty.  What  harm  can  come  to  any  human  being 
by  placing  the  age  of  consent  at  the  age  at  which  al  girl  may 
legally  marry  without  the  consent  of  her  parent  or  guardian, 
or  have  the  right  to  sell  her  property,  thus  giving  protection  to 
her  person  equal  to  that  which  the  law  gives  to  her  property? 
The  only  one  who  can  expect  to  profit  by  a lower  age  is  the 
person  who  preys  upon  her  ignorance  and  seeks  to  victimize 
her  in  the  interest  of  the  brothel.  Again,  the  men  who  assault 
the  integrity  of  a young  girl  are  likely  to  be  possessed  of 
those  most  loathsome  diseases,  in  regard  to  the  existence  of  which 
a girl  fourteen  years  of  age  is  absolutely  ignorant,  hut  which  are 
sure  to  bring  upon  her  and  her  offspring  terrible  suffering  and 
disability,  and  cause  society  as  well  as  individuals  such  heavy 
economic  loss.  It  would  seem  hut  just  and  right  to  womanhood 
that  they  should  he  protected,  at  least  until  they  have  reached 
that  age  at  which  the  law  recognizes  that  they  have  power  to  con- 
sent to  marry,  (eighteen  years),  or  to  dispose  of  property  in  their 
own  right,  (twenty-one  years).  This  should  be  true,  especially 
when  we  take  into  consideration  the  fact  that  of  the  two  hun- 
dred and  thirty  girls  at  the  Industrial  School  of  this  state,  67^ 

*At  present  the  age  of  consent  in  Wisconsin  is  14  years  for  all  fe- 
males, and  18  years  for  females  of  previous  chaste  character. 


158 


Eeport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


per  cent  were  committed  for  immorality  and  all  of  these  were 
nnder  the  age  of  eighteen  years  when  admitted,  their  average  age 
at  time  of  admission  being  only  15.1  years,  their  average  men- 
tality, as  determined  by  the  three  recognized  tests,  being  only 
that  of  a child  ten  years  old.  In  the  Philadelphia  Eeport  it  is 
stated  that  of  ninety-nine  girls  fifty-four  fell  before  they  were 
eighteen  years  of  age.  In  the  Bedford  Eeformatory  Eeport  it  is 
stated  that  70  per  cent  fell  before  they  were  twenty-one  years  of 
age  and  50  per  cent  before  they  were  eighteen  years  of  age.  It 
further  appears  from  psychological  tests  that  more  than  50 
per  cent  of  the  girls  who  fall  are  not  of  full  normal  ability  (IMass- 
achusetts  Eeport).  From  this  it  would  appear  that  it  should 
be  the  duty  of  the  state  to  throw  about  these  girls  this  safeguard 
to  virtue,  and  to  raise  the  age  of  consent  from  14  and  18  years, 
as  it  is  now,  to  18  and  21  years  respectively. 

Eleven  states  of  the  Union  now  have  fixed  the  age  at  18  years 
as  the  minimum,  and  one  state  has  fixed  it  at  17  years.  Twenty- 
five  states,  including  England  and  Canada,  have  fixed  the  age  at 
sixteen  years  for  all. 

In  replying  to  the  questionaire  sent  to  the  district  attorneys  of 
this  state,  of  fifty-five  district  attorneys  answering,  thirty-two 
favor  raising  the  age  of  consent  to  eighteen  or  more  years. 

Statement  of  County  Judge,  Sheboygan,  page  107.  “There 
is  a very  small  percentage  of  sexual  immorality  due  to  a lack 
of  sufficient  Avage.  The  usual  difiieulty  is  that  the  girl  is  physi- 
cally developed  before  she  is  mentally  developed,  and  that  she 
cannot  take  care  of  herself.  IMost  of  these  girls  who  finally 
go  into  the  houses  of  ill  fame  are  seduced  before  they  are  six- 
teen years  of  age,  and  if  they  can  be  taken  care  of  until  they 
are  eighteen  or  nineteen  years  of  age,  Avhen  their  mental  de- 
velopment Avill  haAm  caught  up  Avith  their  physical  dcA’elop- 
ment,  they  Avill  usually  stay  straight,  hut  if  they  are  not  given 
protection  in  the  beginning,  they  Avill  go  to  the  deA'il  on  a fast 
express,  as  has  been  our  experience.” 

Control  of  Venereal  Diseases. 

The  preA'alence  of  syphilis  and  gonorrhea  among  prostitutes 
and  those  who  cohabit  with  them  is  one  of  the  most  serious  and 
disastrous  effects  of  commercialized  Auce.  EA^ery  prostitute  who 
has  this  disease,  and  none  continue  in  the  business  long  with- 
out contracting  it,  is  a prolific  source  of  contagion  to  those 
who  frequent  houses  of  prostitution.  The  so-called  medical  ex- 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


159 


animations  which,  many  uninformed  people  consider  to  be  a safe- 
guard against  infection  are  worse  than  useless.  At  best,  these 
examinations  are  superficial,  and  even  were  they  thorough,  there 
would  be  no  insurance  in  them,  because  of  the  fact  that  the  next 
customer  may  infect  the  prostitute  and  thus  make  it  extremely 
hazardous  for  the  persons  following.  These  examinations  or- 
dinarily take  place  once  a week,  although  there  is  evidence  in 
the  possession  of  the  committee  of  one  case  in  which  the  prosti- 
tute had  a “certificate  of  health”  which  was  dated  for  three 
weeks  in  advance,  because  of  the  fact  that  the  physician  who  cus- 
tomarily made  an  examination,  wms  going  away  on  his  vacation. 
Yet,  among  the  uninformed  people,  it  is  not  uncommon  to  hear 
the  statement  that  such  and  such  a prostitute  is  “safe,”  because 
she  has  been  subjected  to  medical  examination  and  declared  free 
from  disease. 

Syphilis  and  Gonorrhea. 

To  those  who  are  well  informed  regarding  venereal  disease, 
there  is  nothing  more  appalling  than  syphilis  and  gonorrhea. 
The  terrible  ravages  of  these  diseases,  not  only  upon  the  culprit 
who  through  an  immoral  act  becomes  infected,  but  also  upon  the 
innocent  persons,  wife  or  child  or  stranger,  who  may  be  infected 
by  contact,  shoAv  that  no  provisions  can  be  too  carefully  and  fully 
made  to  prevent  the  further  dissemination  of  these  two  diseases. 
One  has  only  to  visit  a public  clinic  and  see  the  diseased  and 
wrecked  bodies  of  persons  suffering  from  syphilis  and  gonorrhea 
to  be  fully  impressed  with  the  necessity  of  public  action  to  stamp 
out  these  diseases.  The  records  of  insane  asylums,  penitentiaries 
and  hospitals  furnish  abundant  collateral  reasons. 

Reporting  of  Venereal  Disease. 

There  are  many  proposals  before  the  public  for  the  suppres- 
sion of  these  diseases.  One  of  the  provisions  of  the  laws  of  Wis- 
consin is  that  requiring  physicians  to  report  eases  of  venereal 
diseases  which  come  under  their  treatment.  This  law  is  not  ex- 
tensively complied  with.  There  should  be  further  provisions  for 
the  levying  of  fines  for  neglect  of  this  public  duty.  The  preval- 
ence of  venereal  disease  is  a matter  of  public  concern  and  should 
be  so  considered  by  physicians  who  treat  persons  afflicted.  There 


160 


Ekport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


is  a possibility  that  a provision  allowing  a small  fee  for  the  re- 
porting of  venereal  disease,  might  be  valuable.  It  has  been  sug- 
gested that  a law  requiring  the  reporting  of  gonorrhea  and  syp- 
hilis by  name  and  address  of  the  patient  would  be  a valuable  in- 
novation. However,  such  a law  would  be  even  less  complied  with 
than  the  law  which  requires  reporting  by  number,  and  there  is 
but  little  question  that  the  first  step  in  securing  records  of  vener- 
eal disease  in  any  state  or  city  is  to  secure  the  reporting  by  num- 
ber. Even  such  reporting  would  furnish  valuable  statistics  upon 
which  to  base  public  treatment  of  this  health  problem.  The  law 
above  mentioned  is  given  in  the  following  paragraph. 

Infectious  diseases;  Reports  in  all  municipalities  by  Physi- 
cians and  others.  Section  1416-1.  (Wis.  Stats.)  It  shall  be  tbe 
duty  of  every  physician  to  report  to  the  department  of  health 
in  every  town,  incorporated  village  or  city,  in  writing  the  full 
name,  age  and  address  of  every  person  suffering  from  any  one 
of  the  infectious  or  contagious  diseases  following,  to  Avit : 
hleasles,  small-pox,  diphtheria,  (membraneous  croup),  .scarlet 
fever,  (scarlatina),  typhoid  fever,  tuberculosis  (of  any  organ), 
rubella  (rotheln),  chickenpox,  typhus  fever,  plague,  erysipe- 
las, asiatie  cholora,  Avhooping  cough,  cerebrospinal  meningitis, 
yelloAv  fever,  acute  anterior  poliomyelitis  and  ophthalmia  ne- 
onatorum; and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  eveiw  person,  owner, 
agent,  manager,  principal  or  .superintendent  of  any  public  or 
private  institution  or  dispensary,  hotel,  boarding  or  lodging 
house,  in  any  such  toAvn,  incorporated  village  or  city,  to  make 
a report  in  like  manner  and  form,  of  any  inmate,  occupant  or 
boarder  suffering  from  any  of  tbe  said  infectious  or  contagious 
diseases.  It  shall  also  be  tbe  duty  of  every  physician  to  re- 
port by  number  all  eases  of  SA'philis  and  gonorrhea  occurring 
in  his  practice,  to  the  state  board  of  health,  at  such  time  and 
in  such  manner  as  the  state  board  of  health  may  dii’ect. 

Public  Clinics. 

Public  clinics  should  be  established  in  every  state,  and  the 
state  board  of  health  should  maintain  a laboratory  in  wbieh  tests 
for  venereal  disease' may  be  made  for  all  applicants,  whether 
physicians  or  patients,  free  of  charge.  Such  a provision  would 
secure  valuable  cooperation  on  the  part  of  the  physicians  of  the 
community,  and  would  render  possible  the  extension  of  the  acth'- 
ities  of  health  officers  as  protectors  of  the  public  welfare.  In  some 
cities,  especially  in  Ncav  York,  provision  has  been  made  for  the 
testing  of  specimens  for  gonorrhea  and  syphilis,  and  a very  large 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee,  161 

number  of  persons  utilize  this  laboratory.  In  other  institutions 
there  are  free  public  clinics  in  which  syphilis  and  gonorrhea  are 
treated  by  acknowledged  experts.  The  state  of  Wisconsin  should 
have  some  of  these  facilities.  Every  large  city  should  have  a free 
clinic,  which  should  be  open  both  during  the  day  and  in  the  even- 
ing, in  order  that  persons  employed  may  take  advantage  of  such 
treatment. 

Venereal  Disease  Hospitals  and  Wards. 

At  the  present  time,  it  is  difficult  for  a person  having  a vener- 
eal disease  to  secure  proper  treatment  in  a hospital.  For  this 
reason,  it  would  be  much  to  the  advantage  of  public  health  if 
every  large  city  would  maintain  a venereal  disease  ward  in  con- 
nection with  some  hospital.  This  might  be  accomplished  through 
a system  of  subsidizing.  Better  still  would  be  a city  hospital 
with  a ward  given  over  to  the  treatment  of  these  diseases.  The 
state  itself  should  maintain  a general  hospital  which  should  in- 
clude a ward  for  the  treatment  of  venereal  diseases.  Such  dis- 
eases as  typhoid  and  tuberculosis  have  for  years  been  recognized 
as  menaces  to  public  health,  whereas  gonorrhea  and  syphilis, 
which  are  much  more  prevalent  and  vastly  more  disastrous,  have 
been  neglected  and  left  unnoticed,  because  of  the  reticence  of  the 
public  in  dealing  with  the  subject. 

Quack  Practitioners. 

The  persons  most  actively  dealing  with  venereal  diseases  have 
been  the  “quacks.”  In  this  state,  fortunately,  there  is  a law 
which  to  some  extent  throttles  their  activities,  by  forbidding  them 
to  advertise.  The  newspaper  advertisement  offering  a panacea 
for  all  sexual  ailments  is  no  longer  possible  in  this  state.  How- 
ever, there  is  no  question  but  that  a large  number  of  such  illegi- 
timate practitioners  flourish,  despite  the  acts  of  the  legislature. 
The  public  should  make  the  services  of  these  men  unnecessary 
and  undesirable  by  establishing  a set  of  governmental  institu- 
tions and  facilities  which  would  give  free  treatment  of  a substan- 
tial and  scientific  character.  The  section  of  the  state  law  forbid- 
ding “quacks”  to  advertise  is  given  below. 

Sexual  and  Venereal  Diseases ; Advertising;  Treatment  of; 
Penalty.  Section  4590n.-  Any  person  who  shall  advertise  in 
any  manner,  either  in  his  own  name  or  under  the  name  of  an- 


11— V.  0. 


162 


Eeport  op  ti-ie  AVisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


other  person,  firm  or  pretended  firm,  association,  coi'poration 
or  pretended  corporation,  in  any  newspaper,  pamphlet,  circu- 
lar or  other  Avritten  or  printed  paper,  the  treatment  and  curing 
of  venereal  diseases,  the  restoration  of  “lost  manhood,”  or 
who  shall  advertise  in  any  manner  that  he  is  a specialist  in 
diseases  of  the  sexual  organs  or  diseases  of  a like  nature  or 
produced  by  like  causes,  or  Avho  shall  advertise  in  any  manner 
any  medicine,  drug,  compound  or  any  means  whatever  where- 
by sexual  and  venereal  diseases  of  men  and  women  may  be 
cured  or  relieved  or  abortion  or  miscarriage  produced,  and  the 
owner,  publisher  or  manager  of  any  neAA-spaper  who  shall  pub- 
lish any  such  advertisement  or  permit  or  alloAv  any  such  ad- 
vertisement to  be  inserted  and  published  in  any  neAVSpaner 
OAvned  or  controlled  by  him  or  in  AAdiich  he  has  an  interest,  and 
any  person,  firm  or  corporation  AAdio  shall  sell,  otfer  for  sale, 
keep  for  sale,  give  aAvay  or  otherAvise  dispose  of  any  iicavs- 
paper,  pamphlet,  circular,  or  other  Avritten  or  printetl  pepcr 
containing  any  such  adAmrtisement,  shall  be  guilty  of  a mis- 
demeanor and  upon  conviction  thereof  shall  be  punished  by  a 
fine  of  not  less  than  tAA’cnty-fiAm  nor  more  than  one  hundred 
dollars. 

Education. 

In  addition  to  the  aboA^e  provisions,  health  departments  and 
reliable  agencies  should  distribute  AAddespread  OA^er  the  state  in- 
formation regarding  A^enereal  disease.  The  work  of  such  organi- 
zations as  the  Chicago  Social  Hygiene  Society,  AAdiich  has  distrib- 
uted over  a million  copies  of  a leaflet  on  A’enereal  diseases,  could 
be  duplicated-  in  the  state  of  AVisconsin  with  A'ery  beneficial  re- 
sults. The  committee  belieA^e  that  A'ery  much  good  Avould  be 
accomplished  through  the  periodical  publication  and  distribu- 
tion by  the  State  Board  of  Health,  of  pamphlets  similar  to  those 
prepared  and  distributed  by  the  Indiana  State  Board  of  Health, 
such  pamphlets  to  coA'er  the  essential  facts  in  regard  to  sex 
hygiene,  venereal  diseases,  etc.  This  literature  should  be  placed 
in  the  hands  of  laborers  in  the  factories  and  mining  camps, 
should  be  given  to  young  men  and  young  AA'omen  in  high  schools 
and  colleges,  and  should  be  so  thoroughly  spread  OA’er  the  state 
that  the  disastrous  effects  of  gonorrhea  and  syphilis  and  the  im- 
minent dangers  to  all  persons  liaA'ing  promiseiions  intercourse 
could  not  be  misunderstood. 

Dr.  Dearholt,  City  of  Alilivaukee,  page  92,  in  ansAi-er  to  a 
question  bearing  on  sex  hygiene,  says:  “I  do  not  believe  there 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


163 


are  very  many  who  are  competent  to  teach  sex  hygiene  or  the 
reproduction  of  life.  I think  it  is  hard  to  secure  those  who 
are  competent  to  do  it.  I do  not  believe  in  the  promiscuous 
teaching  of  it.  I think  it  Avould  be  a good  idea  to  have  it 
taught  in  the  normals  and  in  the  university.” 

Dr.  Harrington  of  Milwaukee,  page  21,  testified  as  follows : 
“I  am  strongly  opposed  to  the  teaching  of  sex  hygiene  in  pub- 
lic schools,  for  the  reason,  first,  that  the  parents  are  umvill- 
ing  that  it  should  be  taught,  and  the  will  of  the  parents  should 
be  respected.  Second,  that  schools  have  already  undertaken 
too  much  for  the  children  that  should  be  done  at  home.  Third, 
that  we  have  not,  and  it  will  be  many  years,  if  ever,  before 
we  have  properly  trained  teachers  to  present  the  subject.  It 
is  a most  delicate  subject  to  present  to  the  growing  child.  1 
am  in  favor  of  it  being  taught  to  parents,  and  think  this  could 
be  done  by  giving  lectures  to  the  mothers  and  to  the  fathers ; 
and  joint  lectures  by  those  competent  to  do  so  to  fathers  and 
mothers  together.  I think  that  much  good  could  be  done  by 
giving  a course  in  our  normal  schools  and  in  our  university.” 

Special  Institutions  for  Immoral  Women  and.  Girls. 

Unfortunate  women  and  girls,  who,  after  a career  of  neglect 
and  mistakes,  find  themselves  lodged  in  prisons,  workhouses  or 
reformatories,  are  not  to  be  considered  as  outcasts  and  sub- 
jects for  the  anger  and  displeasure  of  society.  They  should 
be  looked  upon  as  persons  who  have  contracted  a moral  dis- 
ease, and  should  be  treated  accordingly.  The  best  intelli- 
gence of  today  places  the  blame  for  the  mistakes  and  errors  of 
prostitutes,  less  upon  the  prostitutes  themselves  than  upon  the 
shoulders  of  society.  With  this  conception  of  the  status  of 
immoral  women,  one  can  at  once  go  to  a consideration  of  how 
these  social  and  moral  diseases  can  be  cured. 

The  prostitute,  with  character  greatly  soiled  and  reputation 
damaged  seemingly  beyond  repair,  should  be  sent  to  an  insti- 
tution where  her  physical  and  mental  diseases  can  be  ade- 
quately treated.  She  should  not  be  considered  the  prisoner  of 
the  state,  but  the  patient  of  the  state. 

In  view  of  these  conceptions,  institutions  which  treat  moral 
disease  in  a manner  parallel  to  the  treatment  of  a physical  dis- 
ease have  been  established  in  some  parts  of  the 'United  States. 
Such  an  institution  is  that  at  Bedford,  New  York,  which  is 
the  most  notable  of  its  kind  in  America.  Here  the  woman  is 


164 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


given  educational  training,  is  taught  a trade  by  which  she  may 
earn  a decent  living,  is  given  a thorough  physical  examination 
and  treated  for  venereal  disease,  or  any  other  disorder,  is  sub- 
jected to  a psychical  test  and  treated  for  mental  disorders,  is 
given  the  privileges  of  a gymnasium,  and  furnished  with  ample 
opportunity  for  clean  and  wholesome  entertainment.  All  of 
this  work  is  placed  upon  a scientific  and  thoroughgoing  basis. 

The  state  of  Wisconsin,  which  stands  foremost  in  many  social 
and  political  reforms,  should  be  provided  with  an  institution  of 
similar  character  to  that  at  Bedford,  New  York.  The  futility 
and  folly  of  regularly  committing  an  immoral  woman  to  the 
workhouse  or  subjecting  her  to  fines  would  he  ridiculous,  were 
it  not  so  disastrous.  By  means  of  the  fining  system,  the  state 
profits  by  the  practice  of  prostitution.  Not  only  this,  but  such 
a system  stimulates  the  prostitute  to  further  activities  in  order 
that  she  may  pay  her  fines.  Commitment  to  the  workhouse  has 
no  other  effect  than  to  destroy  whatever  self-respect  the  im- 
moral woman  has,  and  if  she  is  not  totally  depraved,  to  degrade 
her  further.  Such  a system  should  be  immediately  abolished. 
It  is  worse  than  useless.  It  inflicts  actual  damage.  In  its  place 
should  be  substituted  sane  and  humane  policies,  and  an  ade- 
quately equipped  institution  in  which  medical  and  psychologi- 
cal attention  can  he  given  to  the  prostitute,  and  ample  oppor- 
tunity furnished  for  industrial  education.  Amy  person  who 
will  take  the  trouble  to  become  acquainted  with  the  activities 
and  work  of  the  Bedford  institution  for  immoral  women  will  he 
readily  convinced  of  the  value  of  such  an  institution  for  the 
state  of  Wisconsin. 

Care  of  Unmarried  Mothers. 

Provision  should  be  made  for  the  public  care  of  unmarried 
mothers,  at  the  time  of  confinement.  Under  present  circum- 
stances, these  unfortunate  women  are  outcasts  and  are  shunned 
by  an  unsympathetic  public.  They  scarcely  know  where  to  go. 
No  institution  wishes  to  care  for  them.  The  state  should  pro- 
vide an  institution  in  which  mothers  about  to  give  bii’th  to  i- 
legitimate  children  can  be  eared  for  during  confinement,  given 
competent  medical  attention,  and  after  the  birth  of  their  chil- 
dren, assisted  to  a place  of  decent  employment.  As  the  matter 
stands  at  present,  many  of  these  women  are  turned  out,  imme- 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


165 


diately  upon  giving  birth,  to  their  children,  to  shift  for  them- 
selves and  make  an  existence  as  best  they  can.  The  result  is 
that  many  fall  from  an  already  unfortunate  position  to  the 
vastly  worse  position  of  public  prostitute.  Society  should  have 
sympathy  and  pity  for  the  unmarried  mother,  and  should  not 
be  the  first  to  east  a stone.  The  way  to  respectability  and  de- 
cent livelihood  should  be  made  easy  and  straight,  not  forgetting 
the  complexities  and  difficulties  under  which  many  lonely  un- 
protected girls  are  obliged  to  live. 

Employment  Bureaus. 

Evidence  before  this  committee  and  the  experience  of  other 
states  and  cities  with  employment  bureaus  indicates  that  there 
should  be  closer  regulation  of  employment  agencies.  It  fre- 
quently happens  that  young  and  inexperienced  women  are 
sent  to  immoral  places,  or  even  induced  to  offer  themselves  for 
the  purpose  of  prostitution,  through  employment  agencies. 
While  no  large  number  of  eases  has  been  reported  in  the  state 
of  Wisconsin,  it  is  a wise,  precautionary  measure  to  provide  f or 
the  proper  protection  of  women  and  girls  who  are  obliged  to 
utilize  employment  agencies.  Most  of  all,  the  state  employ- 
ment bureaus  should  be  made  popular  and  efficient,  thus  putting 
the  dangerous  private  agency  out  of  business. 

The  committee  recommends  that  every  person  managing  or 
operating  any  employment  bureau  for  women,  in  this  state, 
from  which  girls  are  assigned  for  employment,  shall  be  required 
to  make  and  file  in  his  office  an  application  card  to  be  signed  by 
the  applicant  for  help,  in  which  shall  be  stated  the  business  of 
the  place,  the  nature  of  the  work  to  be  done  by  the  employee, 
the  wages  to  be  paid,  and  the  statement  that  no  immoral  prac- 
tices or  persons  are  permitted  on  or  about  the  premises;  and 
that  the  employment  agent  shall  be  required,  before  sending 
any  young  girl  or  woman  .under  thirty  years  of  age  to  any 
place  of  employment,  to  make  an  investigation  of  the  moral 
conditions  surrounding  the  applicant  for  assistance  and  endorse 
on  the  application  the  facts  found;  and  that  no  employment 
agent  shall  be  permitted  to  advise  or  send  any  girl  or  young 
woman  under  thirty  years  of  age  to  any  place  of  questionable 
character. 


l66  Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

Morals  or  Public  Welfare  Department. 

The  state  has  departments  for  the  “welfare”  of  hogs,  cattle, 
and  horses,  and  for  the  conservation  of  forests,  birds,  fish  and 
game.  The  time  has  come  when  the  state  should  consider  the 
welfare  of  boys  and  girls  with  as  much  seriousness  as  it  does 
these  various  objects  of  property. 

It  is  the  opinion  of  a large  majority  of  officers  and  others 
examined  before  the  committee  that,  for  the  enforcement  of 
the  state  morals  laws  and  laws  regulating  practices  which  natur- 
ally tend  to  immorality  there  should  be  a central  law  enforcing 
body,  which  should  be  removed  from  all  local  political  influ- 
ences ; that  all  residents  of  the  state  should  be  given  to  under- 
stand that  they  have  the  privilege  of  making  confidential  com- 
plaints to  this  central  body  and  that  such  complaints  will  be 
fairly  investigated,  and  if  well  founded,  the  officers  of  the 
county  or  city  will  be  notified  of  the  facts  and  the  evidence  sub- 
mitted to  them  with  a request  that  the  law  be  enforced;  that 
this  central  body  should  be  clothed  with  the  authority,  upon 
the  failure  or  refusal  of  these  officers  to  enforce  the  law,  to 
cause  these  laws  to  be  enforced,  in  a manner  similar  to  the  en- 
forcement of  our  state  health  laws.  The  nonenforcement  of 
the  laws  in  any  community  of  Wisconsin  is  a serious  damage 
to  the  state,  not  only  because  it  permits  the  criminal  to  go  un- 
punished, but  also  because  of  its  effect  upon  the  youth  of  the 
state,  in  breeding  disrespect  for  the  law.  This  laAV  enforcing 
body  should  have  under  its  authority  secret  service  officers  or 
detectives  whose  duty  it  should  be  to  investigate  complaints  of 
non  enforcement  of  law  and  to  report  thereon. 

The  committee  is  informed  that  the  Province  of  Manitoba 
has  a “Morals  Inspector”,  Hon.  Wm.  J.  Battley,  Winnipeg, 
Manitoba,  to  whom  complaints  of  a confidential  nature  are 
made,  and  that  much  good  is  being  accomplished. 

Report  of  Philadelphia  Commission,  page  44.  “As  our  final 
recommendation  we  therefore  urge  you  to  appoint  a permanent 
commission  similar  to  the  committee  of  14  of  Xew  York,  which 
shall  utilize  the  information  we  have  obtained  and  make  effec- 
tive our  recommendations,  extending  as  these  do  far  beyond 
mere  police  problems.” 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


167 


Report  of  Pittsburgh  Commission,  page  22.  “The  Commis- 
sion recommends  the  creation  of  a permanent,  nonpartisan, 
bureau  of  public  morals  to  deal  Avith  the  social  evil,  such  bu- 
reau to  consist  of  seven  representative  men  and  women  to  be 
Separate  from  the  police  system  with  adequate  powers  and 
funds  for  procuring  information  and  enforcing  the  law  by  its 
OAvn  officers  and  agents.” 

Report  of  Minneapolis  Vice  Commission,  page  118. 

“Whether  the  various  recommendations  of  this  report  are 
adopted  or  not,  it  will  be  desirable  for  this  city  to  have  a per- 
manent moral  commission  Avhich  shall  be  a recognized  civic 
organization  for  such  purposes  as  indicated  by  Prof.  Selig- 
man,  and  whose  immediate  functions  shall  be  to  assist  in  carry- 
ing out  the  policy  of  suppressing  the  social  evil  as  manifested 
in  its  various  forms.  This  proposed  morals  commission  should 
be  Avell  equipped  with  trustAvorthy  information  regarding  the 
present  conditions  of  the  social  evil  in  Minneapolis  and  Avith 
the  necessary  poAvers  to  act  for  the  best  interests  of  the  citi- 
zens in  matters  of  public  morals.  The  proposed  organization 
should  be  empoAvered  to  receive  complaints  from  citizens,  to 
investigate  and  verify  such  complaints  Avhenever  possible,  and 
to  present  them  to  the  jiroper  city  officers  for  adjustment.  We 
suggest  that  such  commission  shall  be  composed  of  representa- 
tive men  and  women  Avho  Avill  Avork  for  the  Avelfare  of  the 
whole  city.  ’ ’ 

“Professor  Seligman,  of  Columbia  College,  Avho  Avas  a mem- 
ber of  the  Committee  of  Fifteen,  in  NeAv  York  says:  ‘The 
great  trouble  Avith  all  our  efforts  has  been  the  lack  of  contin- 
uity of  effort.  The  committee  of  15  did  Avhat  it  could,  but  the 
community  soon  lapsed  from  the  state  of  enthusiasm  and  high 
moral  force.  The  flame  Avhich  burned  so  brightly  for  a time 
died  out  and  so  it  is  Avith  most  of  our  efforts  at  reform.’  He 
pleaded  for  the  establishment  of  a permanent  commission  Avhich 
Avould  continue  to  study  the  question  from  the  medical  stand- 
point, the  social  standpoint,  the  economic  standpoint,  and  the 
sociological  standpoint  and  Avhich  should  assist  in  preparing 
legislation  and  help  the  administration  enforce  Avhatever  laAvs 
or  ordinances  may  be  deemed  desirable.” 


168 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


SUGGESTIONS  FOR  IMPROVEMENT. 

Punishment  of  the  Male  Offender. 

Well  has  the  Chicago  Report  said,  “It  is  man’s  and  not  a 
woman’s  problem  which  we  must  face  today,  commercialized 
by  men,  supported  by  men,  the  supply  of  fresh  victims  furnished 
by  men.  A man  does  the  punishing  to  suit  a man’s  idea.”  All 
fair  minded  witnesses  have  severely  criticized  the  action  taken 
by  some  courts  in  dealing  with  male  offenders  against  the  moral 
laws.  In  most  cases  the  man  is  only  nominally  punished  and 
is  permitted  to  escape  with  only  a small  fine.  The  offenses  are 
punished  by  the  minimum  penalty  provided  by  the  statutes, 
and  offenders  are  permitted  to  be  booked,  on  criminal  records, 
under  fictitious  names.  Very  often  when  raids  upon  these 
houses  are  made,  the  male  patrons  of  houses  of  ill  fame  are 
permitted  to  escape.  The  foundation  for  this  unjust  discrim- 
ination between  the  punishment  of  male  and  female  offenders 
undoubtedly  lies  in  the  double  standard  of  morality  which  the 
public  has  for  so  long  a time  permitted  to  exist.  The  more  in- 
telligent and  humane  courts  are  beginning  to  deal  with  more 
wisdom  and  justice  in  this  matter.  In  the  IMorals  Court  of 
Chicago  and  in  the  Night  Court  of  New  York,  female  offenders 
are  treated  with  consideration,  and  their  hearings  before  the 
court  are  carried  on  in  such  a manner  that  the  morbidlj"  curious 
audience  is  unable  to  hear  what  is  said.  Technicalities  are  to  a 
large  extent  waived,  and  the  real  merits  of  the  case  are  brought 
out  by  the  judge,  through  kindly  cross  examining. 

There  are  numerous  examples  in  this  state  of  the  failure  of 
courts  to  infiict  just  punishment  upon  men  who  have  been  con- 
victed of  crimes  against  the  moral  laws.  In  one  ease,  for  ex- 
ample, the  proprietor  of  a hotel  not  only  permitted  very  young 
girls  to  be  taken  to  the  rooms  of  his  hotel  for  immoral  purposes, 
but  even  called  these  girls  to  the  hotel,  thus  definitely  violating 
one  of  the  statutes  of  the  moral  code.  (See  Section  4581a, 
Wisconsin  Statutes. ) The  punishment  provided  under  this  stat- 
ute is  from  one  to  ten  years  in  the  state  prison.  When  the  man 
was  brought  before  the  court  and  convicted  of  this  crime,  he  was 
fined  $50.00  and  permitted  to  go  and  resume  his  customary  busi- 


Keport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


169 


ness  practices.  The  girl  in  the  case  was  publicly  censured  and 
severely  rebuked  by  the  court.  Such  a system  of  fines  has  little 
or  no  effect  as  a deterrent  to  immoral  practices.  It  merely  per- 
mits the  city  or  state  to  profit  by  taxing  immorality.  Everywhere 
there  are  demands  for  time  sentences  for  both  the  male  and  the 
female  offender,  in  eases  of  prostitution.  If  the  man  in  the  pre- 
viously cited  case  had  been  given  a term  of  years  in  prison,  it 
would  have  been  a lesson  not  only  to  him  but  to  the  community  as 
a whole,  whereas  under  the  fine  that  was  given,  he  is  free  to  re- 
sume his  immoral  practices,  if  he  so  desires.  This  committee 
strongly  recommends  the  substitution  of  jail  or  prison  sentences 
in  place  of  the  fining  system,  for  both  male  and  female  offenders 
against  moral  and  excise  laws.  In  this,  the  committee  joins  hands 
with  the  leading  civic  and  social  workers  of  the  country. 

The  Mann  Act  as  Applied  to  Municipalities. 

Laws  similar  to  the  Federal  Mann  Act  should  be  enacted  in  this 
state,  that  will  apply  to  traffic  in  women  between  the  several 
municipalities  of  this  state.  By  this  means  it  would  be  made 
unsafe  for  a man  or  woman  to  take  a woman  from  one  town  or 
city  to  another  for  immoral  purposes,  as  is  now  frequently  done. 
The  young  girl  is  taken  from  the  protection  of  her  own  munici- 
pality to  a strange  town  or  city  where  she  knows  no  one  to  whom 
she  may  appeal  for  protection.  This  law  would  also  in  a large 
measure,  do  away  with  the  serious  road  house  problem.  The  act 
should  apply  to  either  sex,  and  every  person  wilfully  violating  it 
should  be  punished  by  imprisonment,  and  be  subject  to  extradi- 
tion as  in  eases  of  rape. 

Bastardy  to  be  Made  Extraditable  Offense. 

Under  the  present  laws  it  often  happens  that  the  father  of  an 
illegitimate  child,  in  order  to  avoid  paying  the  penalty  for  his 
misdeeds,  and  in  order  to  dodge  the  responsibility  of  contribu- 
ting to  the  support  of  such  child,  leaves  the  state.  He,  in  this 
manner,  places  himself  beyond  the  reach  of  our  courts.  It  is 
apparent  that  the  law  should  be  so  amended  as  to  provide  a 
method  of  securing  his  return  to  this  state,  as  in  criminal  of- 
fenses. The  passage  of  such  a law  is  recommended  by  many  of 
the  district  attorneys  of  this  state,  and  is  endorsed  by  this  com- 
mittee. 


170 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


INDIRECT  MEANS  OF  IMPROVEMENT. 

Teaching  of  Social  Hygiene. 

The  subject  matter  of  social  hygiene  should  be  taught  in  normal 
schools  and  colleges  and  universities  of  the  state.  A thorough 
foundation  in  the  elements  of  physiology  and  biology-  shoidd  be 
laid,  and  with  this  foundation,  information  regarding  reproduc- 
tion, eugenics,  venereal  disease,  feeble-inindedness  and  insanity, 
the  social  consequences  of  prostitution  and  other  facts  reiatiug 
to  social  hygiene,  should  be  given.  With  such  training,  the  stu- 
dent would  be  better  prepared  to  intelligently  perform  his  or  her 
duties  as  a teacher,  citizen  and  parent.  In  all  of  this  training 
the  ethics  of  sexual  life  and  of  social  hygiene  in  general  should 
be  emphasized.  Without  even  considering  the  possibility  that 
teachers  prepared  in  normal  schools  and  universities  could  give 
instruction  in  sex  hygiene,  they  would  be  better  able  to  under- 
stand the  lives  of  the  children  with  whom  they  must  deal,  and 
this  is  sufficient  argument  for  the  incorporation  of  these  courses. 
This  subject  is  not  without  sound  precedent,  since  some  of  the 
best  known  normal  schools  and  universities  in  the  country  have 
done  something  along  this  line. 

Social  and  Recreation  Centers. 

On  the  constructive  side  of  this  problem  nothing  is  more  im- 
portant than  the  establishment  of  reci’eation  centers,  both  in  the 
city  and  in  the  country.  These  should  be  places  of  clean  amuse- 
ment and  healthful  exercise.  Not  only  would  a development  of 
social  centers  in  the  rural  districts  contribute  to  the  physical 
well-being  of  the  young  people,  but  such  social  centers  woidd  also 
furnish  a legitimate  opportunity  for  social  contact,  which  is  scarce 
in  the  country.  In  cities,  the  social  center  would  be  a competitor 
to  the  commereialized  amusement  resorts  which  too  frequently 
are  dangerous  ground  for  inexperienced  young  people.  At  all 
these  recreation  and  social  centers,  ample  opportunity  for  physi- 
cal exercise  should  he  given.  There  should  be  gymnasiums  fully 
equipped  and  made  attractive  by  being  well  supervised.  It  is  an 
acknowledged  fact  that  persons  having  good  physical  develop- 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


171 


ineiit  and  ample  exercise  are  mucli  less  subject  to  sexual  tempta- 
tion than  tliose  whose  bodies  are  weak  and  undeveloped.  Under 
this  same  recommendation  should  be  included  municipal  dance 
halls.  The  recreation  center  should  be  provided  with  a place  for 
social  dancing,  thus  robbing  the  public  dance  hall  of  some  of  its 
enticements.  It  may  safely  be  assumed  that  young  people  will 
dance,  if  not  under  clean  moral  supervision,  then  in  places  under 
the  management  of  the  saloon  and  the  keepers  of  resorts. 

Interest  of  Parents  Necessary. 

All  social  centers,  playgrounds,  etc.,  would  be  greatly  reenforced 
in  their  work  if  parents  would  take  an  active  interest  in  the 
management  and  conduct  of  such  places.  A place  where  the 
whole  family  is  welcome  and  urged  to  be  present  is  not  liable  to 
be  a menace  to  the  morals  of  the  community. 

Theaters  and  Moving  Picture  ShovFS. 

In  another  section,  considerable  attention  has  been  given  to 
moving  iiicture  shows  and  theatres.  It  is  only  necessary  to  re- 
peat that  these  places  should  be  better  lighted,  and  that  the  films 
and  acts  shown  there  should  be  more  carefully  censored. 

The  Church  and  Religious  Organizations. 

Religious  and  educational  organizations  should  turn  their  at- 
tention to  and  have  more  interest  in  the  amusements  of  young 
people.  An  effort  should  be  made  to  furnish  something,  under 
the  auspices  of  such  agencies  that  may  in  some  degree  compete 
with  the  attractions  of  the  public  dance  hall  and  moving  picture 
show.  It  is  safe  to  say  that  in  most  cities  there  are  five  or  six 
times  as  many  people  in  the  moving  picture  houses  as  there  are  in 
all  of  the  churches  combined.  The  churches  and  educational  in- 
stitutions have  before  them  the  possibility  and  the  duty  of  furn- 
ishing a brand  of  religious  teaching  that  will  penetrate  into  the 
daily  life  and  conduct  of  the  young  people  who  come  under  the 
influence  of  these  organizations. 

Social  Hygiene  Societies. 

The  organization  of  societies  for  social  hygiene  and  sex  in- 
struction would  be  of  much  value.  Such  organizations  should 


172 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


provide  lectures  on  social  hygiene,  for  parents  and  teachers,  and 
should  distribute  authoritative  printed  matter  regarding  venereal 
disease,  methods  of  giving  sex  instruction,  and  other  features 
of  sex  hygiene.  The  social  hygiene  society  could  well  work  in 
cooperation  with  churches,  Y.  M.  C.  A.’s  and  Y.  W.  C.  A.’s, 
schools,  labor  unions,  women’s  clubs,  etc.  There  are  a number 
of  these  organizations  throughout  the  United  States,  which  are 
rendering  valuable  service  to  the  communities  in  which  they  work. 
On  a larger  scale,  the  American  Social  Hygiene  Association  is 
doing  a similar  work,  organizing  new  societies,  making  investi- 
gations, securing  legislation,  etc.,  etc. 

Responsibility  of  Parents. 

Finally,  parents  should  endeavor  to  inform  themselves  regard- 
ing the  conditions,  physical  and  social,  under  which  their  children 
are  living.  The  average  parent  is  bewildered  by  the  develop- 
ments which  he  sees  in  his  hoy  or  girl,  and  by  the  complexities 
of  the  social  life  in  which  the  parent  attempts  to  bring  the  child 
to  maturity  with  healthy  body  and  character.  Parents  who  are 
not  informed  regarding  the  fundamentals  of  sex  hygiene  should 
make  it  their  first  duty  to  secure  sufficient  information  to  prop- 
erly instruct  and  guide  developments  of  the  child.  There  are 
numerous  publications  which  furnish  scientific  and  dependable 
information  regarding  sex  hygiene  and  the  dangers  of  venereal 
disease.  Emphasis  should  be  laid  upon  the  normal  development ; 
the  pathological  side  of  sex  hygiene  should  be  brought  in  only  by 
way  of  warning.  In  the  last  analysis  the  parent  is  most  highly 
~ responsible  for  the  well-being  of  the  child.  Churches,  public 
schools,  organizations  for  social  hygiene,  the  institutions  estab- 
lished by  the  city  and  the  state  for  recreation  and  education,  can 
do  but  little  without  the  active  and  intelligent  cooperation  of  par- 
ents. Upon  the  parents  rests  the  heaviest  blame  when  a young 
man  or  young  woman  goes  wrong,  and  to  them  should  be  given 
the  highest  praise  for  every  efficient,  intelligent  and  healthful 
individual  that  is  raised  to  maturity. 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


173 


Suppression  of  Sensational  Newspaper  Articles,  So-Called  Sex 
Plays  and  Sex  Books. 

Public  opiuion  should  condemn  those  factors  in  ordinary  com- 
munity life  which  tend  to  excite  a morbid  interest  in  sexual  mat- 
ters and  especially  in  vicious  practices  connected  with  sexual 
phenomena.  The  lurid  and  sensational  accounts  given  by  news- 
papers of  murder,  white  slavery,  vice  conditions  hi  cities,  crime 
and  fraud  undoubtedly  have  a detrimental  effect  on  the  mind  of 
the  child  who  reads  them.  The  power  of  suggestion  of  these 
morbid  stories  leads  the  interest  of  the  child  in  directions  that  are 
not  healthful  and  arouses  a morbid  curiosity  regarding  the  condi- 
tions under  which  criminals  and  prostitutes  live.  Some  editors 
contend  that  this  is  the  sort  of  reading  matter  the  public  demands. 
It  is  probably  true  that  a certain  portion  of  the  public  demands 
this  type  of  reading,  but  it  is  also  true  that  the  appetite  is  culti- 
vated by  the  newspapers.  The  newspapers,  therefore,  supply  a 
demand  which  they  have  by  their  own  efforts  created.  The  news- 
paper editor  who  sincerely  recognizes  his  paper  as  an  educational 
instrument  will  take  the  initiative  in  reducing  and  minimizing 
the  amount  of  space  given  to  crime  and  increasing  the  space 
given  to  political  and  social  development. 

The  contention  made  by  the  newspapers  is  also  voiced  by  the 
theatrical  managers,  that  the  public  demands  the  sensuous  and 
often  unethical  sex  play.  It  is  an  auspicious  time  for  the  public 
to  condemn  plays  that  suggest  immoral  conduct  and  entirely  lack 
an  ethical  standard.  The  United  States  postal  regulations  al- 
ready make  it  impossible  to  send  the  most  obscene  and  vulgar 
printed  matter  through  the  mails,  but  there  is,  undoubtedly  much 
damage  done  by  the  suggestive  novels  which  receive  such  wide 
distribution.  An  intelligent  public  opinion  that  would  condemn 
these  three  important  educational  agencies,  that  would  demand 
clean  journalism  and  moral  plays  and  clean  reading  matter  would 
go  a long  way  toward  eliminating  the  morbid  conditions  which 
exist  in  the  minds  of  many  young  people.  These  are  matters 
which  are  difficult  to  touch  by  legislation,  but  easy  to  control  by 
public  opinion.  The  theater  can  be  more  carefully  censored,  but 
the  newspapers  and  novels  are  more  difficult  to  reach.  It  is  not, 
however,  a hopeless  task,  for  an  intelligent  community  can  ob- 
ject to  such  newspapers  and  such  books  in  a most  effective  way, 
that  is,  by  not  purchasing  them. 


174 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


SUMMARY  OF  CERTAIN  PREVIOUS  RECOMMENDA- 
TIONS, WITH  ADDITIONS. 

Relating’  to  Law  Enforcement. 

The  committee  recommends 

1.  That  a morals  court  be  established  in  cities  of  the  first  class, 
with  exclusive  jurisdiction  over  all  cases  involving  moral  oft'enses. 

2.  That  a law  similar  to  the  Mann  Act  of  the  United  States 
government,  applicable  between  cities,  villages  and  towns  of  this 
state,  be  enacted. 

3.  That  police  departments  be  required  to  keep,  file  and  index 
all  written  complaints  made  to  them,  with  a report  of  their  find- 
ings and  action  thereon,  such  complaints  to  be  open  to  the  inspec- 
tion of  the  complainant  and  to  all  law  enforcing  officers  of  the 
state. 

4.  That  a permanent  State  Police  Department  be  established 
in  this  state,  with  power  to  investigate  immoral  practices,  the  rea- 
sons for  nonenforcement  of  the  law  in  any  and  all  communities 
of  this  state,  and  power  to  enforce  the  law  in  case  the  local  law 
enforcing  officers  fail  to  do  so.  Such  department  should  be  au- 
thorized to  select  a competent  chief  executive  officer  and  a clerk, 
and  should  have  under  its  direction  and  control  for  the  service  of 
law  enforcing  officers  of  the  state  a limited  number  of  secret  serv- 
ice men,  who,  upon  request  of  local  law  enforcing  officers  or  tlm 
chief  officer  of  the  department,  should  be  required  to  investigate 
and  report  to  local  law  enforcing  officers  and  to  the  department, 
facts  regarding  any  breach  of  the  moral  laws  or  laws  regulating 
practices  which  naturally  tend  to  immorality  in  any  community 
of  the  state.  Such  department  should  also  have  authority  to  en- 
force such  laws  in  any  and  all  cases  where  the  local  law  enforcing 
officers  neglect  or  refuse  to  do  so,  such  action  to  take  place  only 
after  the  local  law  enforcing  officers  have  been  informed  and  have 
been  furnished  evidence  of  such  breaches  of  the  moral  laws  or 
laws  regulating  practices  which  naturally  tend  to  immorality. 

5.  That  local  communities,  cities  and  towns,  organize  private 
associations  to  assist  officers  in  the  enforcement  of  such  laws. 

6.  That  in  the  trial  of  misdemeanors,  when  a jury  is  called  the 
verdict  of  five-sixths  of  the  members  of  such  jury  shall  be  sufficient 
to  convict  or  acquit. 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


175 


7.  That  provision  be  made  for  the  extradition  of  persons 
charged  with  bastardy,  as  in  criminal  offenses. 

Relating  to  Saloons  and  Other  Dispensers  of  Alcoholic  Bever- 
ages. 

The  committee  recommends : 

1.  That  the  excise  laws  be  so  amended  as  to  prohibit  the  sale  of 
li(|Uor  within  or  in  connection  with  any  hall  or  place  where  public 
dances  are  held  or  permitted  to  be  held. 

2.  That  the  application  and  license  for  the  sale  of  intoxicating 
li(piors  be  recjuired  to  state  the  floor,  lot  and  block  of  the  premises 
on  which  the  liquor  is  to  be  permitted  to  be  sold  under  the  license, 
and  restrict  such  sale  to  such  described  premises. 

3.  That  every  person  who  has  paid  a government  liipior  tax 
for  the  sale-  of  liquor  be  required  also  to  obtain  a local  liquor 
license  before  being  permitted  to  dispense  alcoholic  drinks. 

4.  That  the  application  and  license  to  sell  intoxicating  liquors 
shall  provide  that  the  premises  where  such  liquors  are  sold,  in 
addition  to  the  front  entrance  or  entrances  shall  have  only  one 
rear  entrance  and  that  all  entrances  shall  open  onto  a street,  alley 
or  other  open  grounds ; and  that  all  screens  and  blinds  shall  at  all 
times  be  removed  from  such  entrances. 

5.  That  upon  a plea  of  guilty  or  upon  conviction  or  upon  nolle 
contendere,  for  violation  of  any  of  the  moral  laws  or  laws  regu- 
lating practices  which  naturally  tend  to  immorality,  the  judg- 
ment of  a court  shall  automatically  revoke  the  license  of  the 
licensee,  when  a certified  copy  of  the  judgment  has  been  filed 
Avith  the  licensing  body. 

6.  That  no  stalls,  family  entrances  or  private  ivine  rooms  be 
permitted  in  any  saloon. 

7.  That  no  saloon  or  wine  room  or  cafe  having  a license  to  sell 
liquor  be  permitted  to  have  or  maintain  any  direct  connection 
leading  from  such  saloon,  wine  room  or  cafe  to  any  room  above 
or  at  the  side  or  in  the  rear  of  such  saloon,  Avine  room  or  cafe, 
and  that  such  direct  connections  noAv  existing  be  immediately 
and  permanently  closed. 


176 


Eepokt  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Relating  to  Dance  Halls. 

The  cominittee  recommends ; 

1.  That  at  all  public  dance  halls  the  sale  or  other  dispensation 
of  any  liquor  by  any  person  be  absolutely  forbidden. 

2.  That  all  public  dance  halls  be  required  to  procure  licenses 
from  the  authorities  mentioned  in  section  1518,  Wisconsin 
statutes,  and  be  subject  to  the  rules  and  regulations  made  by  such 
authorities. 

3.  That  dances  held  in  public  halls,  by  the  terms  of  such 
licenses  be  supervised  by  a police  woman  or  other  competent  offi- 
cer. 

4.  That  the  pass*  system  now  used  in  many  public  dance  haUs 
be  forbidden  by  law. 

Relating  to  Hotels,  Lodging  Houses,  etc. 

The  committe  recommends: 

1.  That  all  hotels,  rooming  houses  and  lodging  houses  be  re- 
quired to  secure  licenses  from  the  authorities  mentioned  in  sec- 
tion 1548,  Wisconsin  statutes. 

2.  That  hotels,  rooming  houses  and  lodging  houses  be  required 
to  keep  permanent  registers  of  the  names  of  all  guests,  such  names 
to  be  signed  in  the  guest’s  own  handwriting  and  such  registers  to 
show  the  hour  of  assignment  to  rooms  and  the  hour  of  surrender 
of  rooms,  and  that  penalties  be  provided  against  persons  register- 
ing under  fictitious  names,  or  giving  false  addresses  in  register- 
ing. 

3.  That  each  hotel  and  rooming  or  lodging  house  be  required 
to  have  securely  and  permanently  posted  hi  a conspicuous  place 
on  the  outer  front  entrance,  a metal  plate  bearhig  the  name  of  the 
owner  of  such  building,  and  the  name  of  the  lessee,  if  any,  in  let- 
ters of  such  size  that  the  same  may  easily  be  read  from  the 
street.  (The  report  is  that  in  states  where  this  law  is  in  use  this 
publicity  of  ownership  has  had  a very  beneficial  effect  in  cleaning 
up  these  places.  It  would  also  be  of  value  in  enforcing  the  in- 
junction and  abatement  law.) 


*The  use  of  a pass  permitting  persons  to  go  in  and  out  of  the  dance 
hall  without  paying  a second  entrance  fee  has  been  found  by  the  com- 
mittee to  facilitate  immoral  practices. 


177 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Relating  to  Women. 

The  committee  recommends: 

1.  That  every  state  or  county  institution  to  which  women  or 
children  are  or  may  be  committed,  except  jails  and  poor  houses, 
be  required  to  have  one  or  more  women  on  its  board  of  man- 
agers. 

2.  That  every  city  of  the  first,  second  or  third  class  appoint  and 
retain  one  or  more  police  women  for  the  protection  and  care  of 
women  and  children. 

3.  That  the  age  of  consent  be  raised  from  fourteen  years  in 
the  case  of  any  female  and  eighteen  years  in  the  ease  of  a female 
of  previous  chaste  character,  to  eighteen  and  twenty-one  years 
respectively. 

4.  That  in  the  industrial  home  for  women  now  being  con- 
structed, a ward  or  apartment  be  equipped  with  proper  hospital 
facilities  for  the  treatment  of  venereal  and  other  diseases,  and 
that  such  industrial  home  also  be  equipped  with  a psychological 
laboratory  for  the  study  and  treatment  of  mental  disorders ; girls 
and  women  convicted  of  immoral  practices  to  be  committed  to 
such  industrial  home  for  treatment  and  training. 

Relating  to  Education. 

1.  That  the  public  school  systems  of  all  cities  of  the  first,  sec- 
ond and  third  classes  provide  special  classes  for  subnormal  chil- 
dren, such  classes  to  have  in  charge  skilled  teachers,  who  shall 
give  the  specialized  instruction  and  training  calculated  to  secure 
the  best  development  of  such  subnormal  children. 

2.  In  order  to  make  compulsory  education  effective  the  com- 
mittee recommends  that,  where  necessary,  free  textbooks,  meals 
and  clothing  be  furnished  to  needy  children. 

3.  In  order  that  adults  who  desire  to  fit  themselves  to  engage 
in  the  profession  of  teaching  may  acquire  that  knowledge  of 
child  life  which  should  be  possessed  by  every  teacher,  it  is  rec- 
ommended that  the  principles  of  social  hygiene  be  taught  in  the 
normal  sehools,  universities,  colleges  and  other  institutions  en- 
gaged in  preparing  teachers  for  their  life-work. 


12— V.  o. 


178 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


General  Recommendations. 

The  committee  recommends  that  social  neighborhood  centers 
be  developed  in  connection  with  our  school  system. 

The  committee  recommends  that  municipalities  provide  prop- 
erly supervised  amusements,  particularly  concerts,  moving  pic- 
ture shows,  and  other  like  entertainments. 

The  committee  recommends  that  employers  of  domestic  serv- 
ants be  recpiired  to  furnish  such  domestic  servants  with  a suitable 
room  in  which  to  receive  comiianj". 

The  committee  recommends  that  the  number  of  hours  of  labor 
for  domestic  servants  be  fixed  by  law. 

The  committee  recommends  that  the  rights  of  the  laboring  class 
be  protected. 

The  committee  recommends  adequate  insurance  against  pov- 
erty. 

Summary. 

All  of  the  foregoing  recommendations  for  improvement  may 
be  summarized  by  urging  that  the  intelligent,  public  spirited  por- 
tion of  every  community  and  of  the  state  take  an  aggressive  atti- 
tude toward  the  whole  problem  of  the  social  evil.  Educators, 
social  workers,  ministers,  doctors,  lawyers,  tradesmen,  laborers, 
public  officials  and  every  group  in  the  community  should  look 
upon  the  problems  of  commercialized  vice  as  their  problems  and 
their  responsibilities,  and,  clearly  seeing  them,  should  maiutam 
an  active  and  open-minded  attitude,  secure  solidarity  of  effort 
and  become  aggressive  in  securing  the  repression  of  commercial- 
ized vice  in  every  community.  Such  solidarity  and  such  aggres- 
siveness would  bolster  up  and  stimulate  public  officials  to  do  their 
duty  against  prostitution,  and  secure  the  enforcement  of  the 
present  laws  of  this  state,  which,  if  consistently  enforced,  would 
permanently  disable  and  throttle  the  activities  of  the  exploiters 
of  prostitution. 

Without  a hopeful  attitude  toward  this  whole  question,  success 
is  impossible.  Intelligent  men  must  believe  in  the  forward  march 
of  society.  They  must  belieA'e  that  the  social  order  is  changing, 
and  changing  continually  for  the  better,  and  that  things  formerly 
impossible'  have  now  become  possible.  This  optimistic  view  of 
society  makes  possible  the  willingness  to  try  new  methods  of  con- 


1 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


179 


trolling  old  problems,  whereas  the  pessimistic  view  forecloses  any 
possibility  of  initiating  reform.  With  the  present  intelligent  and 
scientific  methods  of  approaching  the  problems  of  commercialized 
vice  and  its  attendant  evils,  the  opportunities  for  actual  accom- 
plishment are  greater  than  ever  before  in  the  history  of  the 
w’orld.  The  very  fact  that  the  people  of  the  United  States  have 
recognized  the  social  evil  and  have  investigated  it  and  studied  it 
and  enacted  laws  for  its  suppression,  is  an  indication  of  the  be- 
lief of  the  American  people  that  progress  can  be  made.  The 
age-old  problem  must  succumb  to  the  scientific  methods  and  the 
enthusiasm  of  the  twentieth  century. 

'!’he  program  of  progress  in  relation  to  eoimiiercialized  vice 
strikes  first  at  the  flagrant  and  obvious  practices  which  any  critic- 
ally-minded observer  can  see  in  large  cities.  It  deals  a blow  first 
at  the  (ioii]mercialized  form  of  prostitution,  securing  the  enact- 
ment, for  instance,  of  the  injunction  and  abatement  law  which 
makes  it  extremely  hazardous  for  a property  owner  to  permit 
prostitution  to  take  place  upon  his  premises.  It  points  to  the 
separation  of  drinking  resorts  from  dance  halls,  and  makes  the 
sale  of  liquor  to  minors  a penal  offense.  It  throws  protection 
about  the  woman  who  stands  in  danger  of  becoming  the  victim 
of  the  lust  of  man,  and  severely  punishes  the  man,  who  is  almost 
invariably  the  aggressor.  Meanwhile,  the  attention  of  social 
workers  and  educators  is  turned  to  the  constructive  side  of  the 
problem,  and  the  opportunities  for  young  persons  to  remain 
morally  clean  are  increased.  Both  the  negative  side,  covering 
the  repression  of  evil  that  already  exists,  and  the  positive  side, 
making  the  multiplication  of  vice  more  difficult,  must  be  empha- 
sized in  order  to  successfully  combat  this  evil.  The  social  workers 
and  educators  interesting  themselves  primarily  in  the  construc- 
tive educational  side,  the  physicians  and  sanitarians  woi'king  for 
the  final  elimination  of  venereal  disease,  the  lawyers  and  govern- 
ment officials  handling  directly  the  legal  phases  of  vice,  and  the 
parents  and  private  citizens  continually  invoking  public,  opinion 
to  aid  them,  are  united  in  the  hope  and  belief  that  evils  too  long 
tolerated  should  be  abolished  by  the  collective  activity  of  an  en- 
lightened and  aroused  society. 


180 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


APPENDIX. 

Law  Enforcement. 

Troop  on  Public  Officers. 

Section  368  : — •'  ‘ The  county  attorney  is  liable  to  removal  when 
he  refuses  to  prosecute  for  violations  of  the  liquor  law  because  he 
believes  public  sentiment  of  the  community  is  against  the  prose- 
cution of  such  eases.”  (32  Kansas  14.  Affirmed  in  112  U.  S. 
201.) 

“When  the  law  has  been  violated,  he  (the  county  attorney)  is 
not  to  consider  the  sentiment  of  the  county  or  community  in 
which  he  resides,  before  deciding  whether  he  shall  prosecute.  It 
is  his  duty  to  prosecute  all  violations  of  the  law  brought  to  his  at- 
tention, -without  fear  or  favor,  and  without  regard  to  the  senti- 
ment of  the  community  where  the  violators  reside.  The  sentiment 
is  not  and  must  not  be  the  guide  or  controlling  influence  to  a 
county  attorney,  whether  he  shall  prosecute  a person  who  is  guil- 
ty of  violating  the  law.  The  state  has  adopted  a certain  policy 
looking  to  the  inhibition  of  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  as  a 
beverage,  by  the  enactment  of  a prohibitory  law,  and  it  is  the 
duty  of  the  county  attorney  to  obey  that  law  and  comply  -with  the 
duties  imposed,  whether  they  are  pleasant  or  not.”  (page  27.) 

“After  the  utterance  of  his  oath,  he  cannot  sit  do-wn  -with 
folded  hands  and  refuse  to  perform  the  duties  imposed  on  him, 
on  the  ground  that  the  sentiment  of  the  community  or  county 
in  which  he  resides  is  in  opposition  to  the  criminal  laws  of  the 
state,  and  the  same  duty  devolves  on  every  sheriff,  mayor  and 
police  officer.”  (page  42.) 

Typical  Life  Histories. 

Many  “madams”  and  inmates  of  houses  of  prostitution  were 
called  before  the  committe  in  executive  session,  and  requested  to 
make  a statement  as  to  the  circumstances  which  induced  them  to 
enter  upon  such  a life.  They  were  given  the  assurance  of  the 
committee  that  their  identities  would  not  be  disclosed,  and  that  so 
far  as  possible  their  statements  would  be  treated  as  confiidential. 

In  the  following  pages  are  given  the  stories  of  two  such  ma-  * 
dams. 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


181 


Statement  of  WXS,  City  No.  . . . .,  page  145.  “I  am  forty- 
six  years  old.  I was  a school  teacher  before  I was  married.  I 
have  been  twice  married.  My  first  hnshand  died.  I left  my  sec- 
ond husband  because  of  his  unnatural  desires,  which  were  re- 
pugnant to  me.  He  has  since  died.  My  resources  finally  were 
so  low  that  I had  to  look  around  for  something  to  do.  1 did  not 
care  for  school  teaching,  for  which  I had  been  fitted  in  my 
younger  days.  One  day  I answered  an  ad,  which  led  to  my  be- 
coming housekeeper  in  a sporting  house.  This  was  the  first  time 
I had  ever  been  in  a resort.  I knew,  however,  what  I was  doing. 
For  the  first  month  I worked  gratis,  but  to  make  things  easier 
for  me,  the  woman  in  charge  gave  me  the  cigar  privilege,  that 
is  the  profits  from  the  sale  of  cigars.  The  woman  had  taken  a 
liking  to  me,  after  the  first  month,  and  she  gave  me  $10.00  a 
week  and  the  cigar  privilege,  which  sometimes  netted  $4.00 
or  $5.00  a night.  It  was  a $5.00  house.  The  patrons  were  gen- 
erous. I do  not  care  for  drink;  I never  frequent  saloons  and 
palm  gardens.  Soon  I had  about  $300.00  saved,  and  when  the 
woman  who  ran  the  house  decided  to  leave  the  city  and  of- 
fered the  house  to  me,  I took  it.  It  was  simply  a matter  of  a 
livelihood  for  me. 

“I  never  have  had  intercourse  with  men  promiscuously.  I 
will  not  say  that  I never  have  had,  but  never  promiscuously; 
never  for  money.  I received  the  money  that  other  people  have 
taken  in,  but  I never  have  sold  my  own  body. 

“I  sold  out  my  house  in  M and  went  to  San  Fran- 

cisco, but  had  only  been  there  about  a year  when  the  earth- 
quake left  me  penniless.  I got  free  transportation  to  Chica- 
go, and  was  there  offered  a house  in  M I borrowed 

money  from  friends  and  took  the  house.  I made  wonderfully 
good  money. 

“I  have  never  made  less  than  $10,000  a year,  but  I have 
saved  little,  for  there  isn’t  a more  charitable  lot  of  people  in 
the  world  than  the  sporting  women.  I gave  not  a cent  to  the 
police,  but  to  charitable  organizations,  sisters  of  religious  or- 
ganizations, the  Salvation  Army,  beggars,  friends,  and  people 
in  distress: 

“I  usually  had  from  six  to  eight  girls  in  my  house.  It  was 
a $2.00  house.  The  girls  got  50%  of  the  earnings,  and  they 
paid  "ho  board.  Unless  I was  certain  that  girls  could  take 
care  of  themselves,  they  had  to  be  examined,  and  no  man  can 
ever  say  he  got  diseased  in  my  house. 

‘ ‘ Girls  do  not  usually  have  their  first  relations  with  men  for 
pay.  Most  of  them  have  been  betrayed.  And  many,  many — 
I will  not  say  a majority,  but  many,  many  of  the  girls  have 
been  married.  I have  known  times  when  most  of  the  girls  in 
my  house  were  girls  who  have  been  married.  They  were  mis- 


182 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


treated  l)y  their  iutshands  or  were  there  for  some  other  cause; 
hut,  of  course,  that  is  no  reason  for  people  being  in  a house. 

“I  never  paid  to  have  girls  brought  to  my  house.  I treated 
them  well,  and  I coidd  get  all  I Avanted.  As  to  having  agents 
soliciting  trade  for  my  girls,  I Avill  say,  no,  nothing  of  the 
kind. 

“The  mentality  of  the  girls  is  all  right,  hut  you  Avill  find 
as  a rnle  they  are  not  educated  girls.  The  educated  giid  was 
the  exception.  The  Catholic  religion  seems  to  predominate 
among  the  sporting  girls,  though  I cannot  say  why.  I know 
that  a majority  of  the  girls  that  have  lived  Avith  me  haA*e  been 
of  the  Catholic  religion.  There  must  be  something  lacking  in 
their  training,  and  yet  they  are  more  religiously  trained  than 
the  other  denominations.  They  haA'e  more  religion  trained  in- 
to them,  and  yet  they  seem  to  fall. 

“If  drink  Avere  taken  from  these  places,  they  would  go  out- 
side and  get  it,  and  I liaAm  found  it  is  Amry  much  better  if  you 
have  girls  in  your  house  and  they  Avant  a bottle  of  beer,  to  let 
them  have  it.  I never  cared  A'ery  much  aboAit  selling  drinks, 
because  I don’t  like  to  haA’e  my  girls  drink.  When  the  liquor 
Avas  taken  out  of  the  houses  here,  I cannot  say  that  my  busi- 
ness decreased  to  any  great  extent,  because  I presume  I neA’er 
catered  very  much  to  the  drinking  element.  I neA’er  sold  A'ery 
much  drink.  I used  to  accommodate  the  girls.  I ahvays  had 
it  in  the  house  and  Aised  to  accommodate  my  girls  more  than  I 
did  the  men.  If  a girl  Avanted  a bottle  of  beer  I Avould  let  her 
have  it.  Most  of  the  girls  liked  to  drink.  I haA’e  had  girls  that 
did  not  drink  at  all.  I liaAm  had  girls  that  ahvays  set  their 
glasses  back  on  the  tray,  and  I have  ahvays  done  that  myself. 
I don’t  eare  for  drink  and  I don’t  care  for  the  effects. 

“If  I conld  have  my  Avay  of  running  a house,  and  I Avanted 
to  run  a house — Avhich  I hope  I may  neA’er  Avish  to  do  again — I 
think  the  Avay  I Avould  like  to  haA’e  things  done  Avould  be  if  a 
man  really  feels  the  call  of  nature  and  feels  that  he  lAiust  haA’e 
that,  to  have  him  come  in  and  get  Avhat  he  Avants  and  walk 
out.  I don’t  belioA’C  in  all  this  entertainment.  That  is  Avhat' 
draAvs  the  business.  You  knoAv  those  kind  of  houses — in  fact 
all  houses — have  beeii  that  Avay  Avhen  they  had  those  enter- 
tainments. It  Avas  a lot  of  “Hurrah  Boys,’’  and  maybe  nine 
out  of  ten  men  that  come  in  only  Avanted  to  haA’e  some  music 
and  dancing,  unless  they  Avanted  to  buy  a drink. 

“I  have  never  contributed  to  any  campaign  fund.  The  only 
contribution  I cAmr  made  Avas  for  the  building  of  the 

“I  neA’er  intend  to  run  a place  of  that  kind  again.  I Avasn't 
in  the  business  AA’hen  they  closed  the  district.  I had  left  the 
line  over  a year  before  that,  and  at  that  time  I Avas  touring  the 
Avorld.  I had  been  gone  all  that  time. 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


183 


“]\ry  iiatrons  were  Loth  married  and  single  men,  about 
evenly  divided, — half  and  half. 

“If  I had  my  life  to  live  over,  I Avould  be  an  old  maid  school 
teacher.  I would  never  know  a man.  If  I had  only  known  in 
the  start  all  I know  about  men  now,  I never  Avonld  have  looked 
at  a man.  I Avould  still  be  teaching  little  children.  It  is  hard 
to  tell  Avhat  the  feeling  of  Avomen  avIio  have  been  prostitutes 
is.  You  know  sometimes  people  may  say  they  do  it  because 
they  Avant  to  do  it,  and  they  Avould  not  do  anything  else  if  they 
could,  and  maybe  that  is  Avhat  the  tongue  is  saying  and  in  the 
I heart  there  is  something  entirely  different.  You  knoAv  sport- 
ing Avomen  have  good  hearts. 

' “Sometimes  men  brought  their  sons  to  my  house  as  patrons. 
They  called  on  me  and  asked  if  I Avould  give  them  a girl  that 
Avas  perfectly  safe;  said  they  preferred  that  to  masturbation. 

“In  order  to  make  it  as  difficult  as  possible  for  girls  to  fall, 
I would  suggest  that  the  first  thing  Avould  be  to  eliminate  the 
dance  halls,  because  there  girls  go  and  men  are  only  Availing 
for  their  prey.  The  class  of  men  that  go  to  those  dance  halls 
are  only  waiting  to  make  some  virtuous  girl  their  prey.  That 
is  the  first  thing  I Avould  do.  I think  it  is  one  of  the  most  harm- 
ful amusements  there  is  for  young  people. 

“The  dance  itself  is  all  right, — but  not  those  public  dance 
halls.  There  are  so  many  young  girls  Avho  go  there,  and  that 
j is  Avhere  they  get  their  first  drink,  their  first  invitation  to  go 
I Avith  a man,  and  these  men  are  past  masters  in  the  art  of  Avin- 
ning  young  girls.  If  I had  a daughter,  I don't  knoAV  Aidiat  I 
1 Avould  do.  I think  I Avould  keep  her  constantly — if  I could  af- 
ford to,  I Avould  haA'e  her  Avith  me,  I Avould  take  her  around 
and  give  her  enough  amusements  so  she  Avould  Avant  to  be  Avith 
me.  I Avoidd  be  almost  afraid  to  trust  her  aAvay  from  me.  If 
my  daughter  had  Ih^ed,  I Avould  probably  neAmr  haAm  been  a 
sporting  Avoman.  If  parents  made  more  companions  of  their 
boys  and  girls,  they  Avould  be  better.” 

Statement  of  MXE,  City  No , page  38.  “It  has  been 

quite  a while  since  I Avent  Avrong. 

“All  I got  Avas  $2.50  a Aveek.  I Avas  employed  in  a hotel 

doAAUi  in  I Avent  out  to  Central  Park  and  took  a 

drink  of  beer,  and  some  felloAv  said,  “Let’s  go  doAAui  to  the 
red  light  district.  It  looked  good  to  me,  the  lights  and  CAmry- 
thing,  and  I Aveut  doAvu. 

“You  don’t  understand.  It  is  not  us  people  you  Avant  to 
look  out  for.  Get  out  on  the  streets  AA’here  the  saloons  and 
dance  halls  are.  Those  are  the  places  AAdiere  the  poor  inno- 
cent ones  are.  I have  heard  children  go  past  my  lioiise  and 
heard  them  talk  Avorse  by  far  than  I haA^e  heard  anyone  tallr 


184 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


in  ray  own  honse.  Those  young  children, — those  are  tlie  ones 
to  get  after.  I have  sat  in  my  house,  close  to  the  sidewalk, 
since  it  was  closed  up,  and  have  heard  young  girls  going  by 
on  the  street,  and  have  felt  like  going  down  and  licking  them.” 

When  asked  what  should  be  done  with  girls  who  Avished  to 
reform,  the  Avitness  replied,  “I  Avould  like  to  ask  this.  Would 
you  employ  many  or  any  of  my  girls  who  had  to  leaAm  the 
house?  Would  you  not  fire  me  the  first  time  your  son  looked 
at  me?  You  Avould  think  that  e\mn  if  I wanted  to  be  good, — 
it  does  not  make  any  difference  how  good  I wanted  to  be, — 
would  you  not  say  to  me,  ‘I  cannot  keep  you;  my  son,  perhaps, 
would  go  with  you.’  Where  do  you  want  us  to  go?  We  are 
not  going  to  any  old  “Home”  to  live.  We  haAm  had  better 
homes  than  that.  It  is  not  difficult  to  get  out  of  a house, — but 
what  are  you  going  to  do  when  you  get  out.  These  women  are 
not  going  to  employ  me  in  their  homes ; it  does  not  matter  how 
good  I am.  Perhaps  their  husbands  or  their  sons  will  come 
home  and  say  to  her,  ‘What  do  you  want  her  here  for?  She  is 
one  of  the  fallen  women?’ 

“It  goes  right  back  to  the  home.  Mothers  wait  too  long  be- 
fore telling  their  daughters  things.  I think  that  anyone  who 
really  and  truly  wants  to  reform  can  go  out  and  work.  She 
does  not  have  to  be  sent  to  a “Home.” 

“I  think  the  boy  is  really  more  to  blame  than  the  young 
woman.  The  man  will  take  the  girl  out  and  tell  her  how  much 
he  loves  her,  and  pretty  soon  he  has  the  best  of  her,  through 
promises  of  marriage.  He  says,  ‘Well,  now  if  anything  hap- 
pens, I will  marry  you.’  Pretty  soon,  maybe,  the  girl  will  be 
coaxed  again,  and  the  man  Avill  tell  someone  else  that  he  was , 
out  with  Jennie  Jones,  and  the  next  evening  the  other  young 
fellow  will  go  out.  ‘Charlie  says  he  was  out  with  you  last 
night’, — and  the  first  thing  the  poor  girl  is  gone.  She  is 
thrown  out  of  her  home.  She  is  in  bad  at  home.  You  are  not 
going  to  employ  her,  because  she  has  a bad  name.  Where  is 
the  woman  going?’  The  last  resort  for  her  is  a sporting  house. 
She  is  not  going  to  lie  out  here  in  the  street,  is  she?  The 

man  has  no  punishment  at  all.  He  can  go  to  your 

Club,  or  to  your  churches  and  can  marry  the  daughter  of  the 
richest  man  in  the  city ; and  he  really  is  to  blame  for  this  poor 
girl’s  going  Avrong.  The  ladies  will  pat  him  on  the  back  and 
put  him  up  for  the  highest  office  in  the  city.  It  has  been  done. 
There  should  be  a fine  for  a man  going  with  a woman,  the  same 
as  for  a Avoman  going  with  a man.  The  man  may  go  to  the 
legislature.  Where  does  the  Avomau  go?  The  last  resort  for 
her  is  the  sporting  house,  ’ ’ 


Keport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


185 


Statement  of  E.  A.  Ross,  Professor  of  Sociology  at  the  Uni- 
versity of  Wisconsin: 

The  statement  of  Professor  Ross  in  his  hearing  before  this 
committee,  so  fully  covers  the  entire  problem  with  which  w^e  are 
directed  to  deal  that  we  feel  justified  in  publishing  it  in  full. 

Chairman : I would  ask  you  to  give  us  such  information  as 
you  feel  would  be  right,  to  aid  in  carrying  out  the  provisions  of 
this  bill. 

A. : In  the  first  place  I have  no  knowledge  of  value  about 
the  situation  here  in  Madison.  I have  been  here  eight  years, 
but  I have  not  heard  anything  at  all  of  there  being  any  com- 
mercialized prostitution  in  this  town,  so  I can’t  say  anything 
about  it.  Coming  now  to  the  general  question,  I would  say 
that  until  about  four  years  ago  I rather  uncritically  accepted 
the  view  that  it  was  well  to  segregate  prostitution.  But  some- 
thing I learned  down  in  Cleveland  made  a great  impression  on 
me.  The  Chief  of  Police  there  told  me  that  he  had  been  able 
to  reduce  the  number  of  prostitutes  by  just  about  90  per  cent 
by  taking  away  from  them  music,  lights  and  liquor ; that  they 
had  not  interfered  with  the  sale  of  sexual  intercourse,  but  that 
they  had  denied  these  places  the  privilege  of  music  after  a cer- 
tain hour,  selling  liquor,  and  of  advertising  by  lights  out  in 
front.  That  put  me  on  the  track  of  what  seemed  to  me  to  be  a 
big  idea,  namely,  that  the  prostitution  that  you  find  in  a town 
is  not  the  gratification  of  a pre-existing  demand,  but  that  the 
demand  has  been  very  skillfully  stimulated,  so  that  you  have 
a business  which  stimulates  the  demand  for  its  goods,  just  as 
dry  goods  merchants  stimulate  the  demand  for  dry  goods,  by 
shop  window  dressing,  by  models,  by  advertising,  and  every- 
thing of  that  kind.  As  soon  as  I realized,  then,  that  we  were 
not  dealing  with  what  you  might  call  the  old  Adam  in  man, 
the  ungovernable  desire,  which,  if  denied  gratification  in  one 
direction,  would  be  certain  to  seek  it  in  some  other,  probably 
more  dangerous,  direction;  as  soon  as  I saw  that  this  demand 
is  multiplied  by  some  hundreds  of  per  cent  in  order  to  sell  more 
wares,  on  the  part  of  those  who  handle  the  business  of  sexual 
intercourse,  then  I began  to  change  my  position  entirely,  so 
that  my  present  position  is  to  hit  the  thing  wherever  you  see 
it.  One  other  thing.  The  statistics  gathered  by  the  Immigration 
Commission  show  that  in  our  cities  such  as  Cleveland,  Minnea- 
polis and  Providence,  R.  I.,  about  one-seventh  of  the  American 
born  women  married  over  ten  years  have  never  had  a child, 
whereas  in  the  country  and  in  the  cities  for  the  foreign  born, 
whose  men  do  not  run  after  prostitutes,  you  will  find  that  not 
over  one-twentieth  are  barren.  I came  thus  to  a realizing  sense 
that  the  most  deadly  foe  of  the  home  and  the  family  and  of  nor- 


186 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


mal  fecundity  is  prostitution;  so  I felt  that  if  society  did  not 
strike  down  jirostitution,  prostitution  would  rot  the  founda- 
tions of  society.  So  my  feeling  is  that  there  should  be  no  toler- 
ation. Prostitution  should  be  hit  at  wherever  its  head  is  seen. 
It  seems  to  me  that  instead  of  being  arrested,  fined  and  re- 
leased, which,  of  course,  stimulates  her  to  tiy  to  sell  more  of 
her  wares,  the  prostitute  should  be  put  under  custodial  care, 
treated  and  put  in  the  way  of  earning  her  living  by  legitimate 
means ; and  it  seems  to  me  that  inasmuch  as  one  of  the  three 
or  four  big  props  of  the  business  is  the  OAvners  of  propertj'  used 
for  such  purposes,  they  ought  to  be  struck  at.  The  big  props, 
of  course,  are  first  the  people  who  control  the  girls  and  receh-e 
a large  part  of  their  earnings ; second,  the  saloons  Avhose  liquor 
sales  are  very  large  and  A\diose  profits  on  these  sales  are  A'ery 
large,  because  they  sell  a bottle  of  liquor  for  tAviee  its  ordinary 
price ; and  third,  the  OAAUiers  of  property — and  hitherto  they 
have  been  left  out  of  the  reckoning,  so  it  has  been  possible  for 
a very  respectable  member  of  the  community  to  be  draAA'ing 
double  rentals  from  property,  because  he  Avas  letting  it  be  used 
for  immoral  purposes  instead  of  for  legitimate  business  pur- 
poses. 1 think  that  is  all  I have  to  say  of  a general  character. 

Q.  What  do  you  think  is  the  first  great  cause  of  delinquency 
among  girls?  A.  Well,  I am  sure  that  40  per  cent  and  possibly 
50  per  cent  of  them  are  subnormal  in  intelligence,  and  they  are 
simply  taken  adAmntage  of. 

Q.  Is  that  subnormality  due  to  lack  of  education  or  are  they 
simply  subnormal?  A.  Xo,  I mean  congenitally  subnormal. 
Subnormal  girls  are  found  in  all  social  circles,  but  it  is  the  girls 
doAAui  among  the  poor — they  are  the  ones  Avho  liaA'e  not  been 
guarded  and  they  cannot  guard  themselves,  because  they  are 
subnormal. 

Q.  What  does  the  AA-age  question  haA'e  to  do  AA’ith  it?  A. 
Well,  my  ideas  on  that  point  are  not  based  upon  first  hand 
knoAAdedge,  but  I AA’Ould  say  that  I Avould  neither  ignore  the 
Avage  question  on  the  one  hand  nor  make  anything  like  so  much 
of  it  as  some  people  do,  on  the  other.  Prostitution  as  a busi- 
ness may  properly  be  interpreted  in  economic  terms,  but  as  to 
AAdiat  brings  into  the  profession  particular  girls,  I do  not  have 
the  impression  that  more  than  ODe-fourth,  possibly  mueh  less 
are  there  because  they  could  not  make  a decent  liA'ing  by 
honest  Avork. 

Q.  Have  you  eAmr  made  a study,  or  thought  of  the  economic 
loss  due  to  A'enereal  disease?  A.  I haA'en't  made  any  calcula- 
tions, because  I am  so  tremendously  impressed  AA  ith  the  racial 
damage.  That  is  to  say,  the  marrietl  men  Avho  frequent  these 
places,  thereby  infecting  their  aaTa’CS  and  sterilizing  them,  are 
apt  to  be  the  relatiA'elj'  successful  people  in  the  community: 
the  iieople  of  brains  and  enterprise,  aa’Iio  presumably  haA'e 


i 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


187 


sometliiug  of  value  to  trausmit  to  their  children.  They  do 
not  leave  children,  while  the  unskilled  laborer  Avho  is  too  poor 
to  buy  these  indulgences,  and  is  kept  free  from  disease  raises 
a large  family. 

Q.  That  is  one  of  the  great  causes  then,  of  the  American 
family  being  lessened  in  numbers?  A.  I believe  so,  because  it 
is  only  in  the  cities  where  you  find  this  high  percentage  of 
sterility.  The  American  women  in  the  country  are  nearly  all 
having  families.  Of  course,  they  are  not  so  large  as  they  were. 
In  the  cities  you  find  that  one  out  of  seven  does  not  have  aipy 
family,  and  I am  afraid  that  the  barrenness  will  be  greater 
20  years  from  now,  even  if  you  should  shut  down  prostitution 
right  now.  I think  the  worst  of  the  harvest  is  yet  to  come. 
I would  not  be  surijrised  if  in  1925  one-fifth  of  the  American- 
born  women  in  our  large  cities  after  several  years  of  married 
life  Avould  not  have  any  children. 

Q.  Have  you  any  remedy  to  suggest?  A.  Only  to  treat 
commercialized  prostitution  as  an  absolutely  heartless  thing, 
to  be  sti’uck  at  wherever  you  see  it.  It  ought  to  have  no  mercy 
or  rights  of  any  kind.  It  ought  to  be  treated  as  Japan  has 
treated  opium.  Japan  simply  will  not  allow  it  to  come  in, 
except  in  medicinal  form.  In  the  same  way  we  -ought  to  re- 
gard this  as  more  deadly  than  opium,  because  it  will  get  us, 
if  we  do  not  get  it. 

Q.  What  do  you  think  is  the  effect  of  parental  neglect;  girls 
not  being  taught  to  understand  their  duties  and  rights  and  lia- 
bilities; not  being  informed?  A.  My  opinion  has  changed  on 
that  point.  I used  to  think  that  there  was  no  person  but  what 
had  to  face  the  possibility — -“My  boy,  my  girl,  may  go  that 
way.”  Now  I have  come  to  the  conclusion,  partly  on  the  basis 
of  investigation,  that  there  is  practically  no  such  thing  as  a 
normal  girl  properly  brought  up  and  cared  for,  ever  going 
wrong ; it  does  not  occur.  I do  not  mean  to  say  but  what  it  is 
possible  for  them  to  have  improper  relations.  I am  talking 
about  being  drawn  into  that  trade. 

Q.  We  hear  very  much  about  the  cause  being  lack  of  par- 
ental control ; putting  the  responsibility  for  this  immorality 
practically  on  the  parent.  If  that  is  true,  what  would  you  do 
with  the  parents?  A.  It  seems  to  me  that  we  must  distin- 
guish between  immorality  and  commercialized  prostitution.  I 
think  that  immorality  springs  either  from  subnormality  in  the 
individual  or  from  something  wrong  in  the  home.  It  may  not 
mean  careless  parents.  It  may  mean  one  or  both  parents  dead. 
On  the  other  hand,  there  is  a big  difference,  as  I take  it,  be- 
tween immorality  and  the  practice  of  prostitution ; girls  may 
yield  to  their  natures,  especially  the  subnormal  girl;  but  it 
seems  to  me  that  the  professional  prostitute  is  the  product  of 


i 

j 


188  Eepoet  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

a business,  you  might  say,  and  the  thing  to  do  is  to  get  at  the 
people  who  are  operating  the  business. 

Q.  Well,  is  it  not  true  that  these  houses  of  prostitution — that 
the  prostitutes  are  practically  the  same  as  graduates  in  im- 
morality? Do  they  not  all  start  with  immoral  tendencies  and 
then  when  they  get  so  far  gone  they  cannot  do  anything  else,  go 
into  a house  of  prostitution?  They  are  forced  in  there  as  a 
graduate  of  a business?  A.  I get  the  impression  that  there  is 
such  a thing  as  these  houses  seeking  and  entrapping  recruits 
among  innocent  girls.  All  I know,  though,  is  from  what  is 
published  by  men  like  Clifford  Roe ; and  I had  a talk  with  Mr. 
Reynolds,  whom  you  have  had  in  your  service.  I think  there 
does  exist  recruiting  from  the  innocent,  but  in  general,  I think 
your  statement  sums  it  up. 

Q.  I think  90  per  cent  are  recruited  the  other  way.  What  we 
are  trying  to  get  at  is  the  cause  of  these  recruiting  stations. 

Q.  Do  you  not  think  that  in  the  home  training — that  the 
American  home  is  not  what  it  used  to  be,  what  it  should  be ; that 
it  is  practically  now  nothing  more  nor  less  than  a boarding 
house,  in  a great  majority  of  cases?  Boj’S  and  girls  are  ther^ 
at  meal  time ; they  go  home  late  at  night  and  sleep ; and  that  is 
about  the  only  home  training  they  get?  A.  I think  that  is  true, 
especially  in  the  less  attractive  homes.  Poor  people  haven’t  the 
money  with  which  to  buy  things  that  make  home  a pleasant 
stopping  place.  Some  people  can  have  nice  books,  easy  chairs, 
and  pictures,  and  so  on — they  compete  successfully  with  the 
outside  attractions,  but  poor  people  who  have  only  two  or  three 
rooms  in  a tenement  house,  they  are  the  ones  who  can  keep 
their  grip  on  the  child  only  by  physical  force,  you  might  say. 
They  haven’t  anything  at  home  to  compete  for  a moment  with 
the  streets  and  the  motion  picture  shows  and  other  attractions. 
It  is  really  a very  hard  situation.  I do  not  know  that  really 
anyone  is  to  blame.  It  is  not  their  fault  if  they  haven’t  the 
means  to  make  the  home  a pleasant  stopping  place.  The  fact 
is  that  even  the  children  of  slack  or  careless  parents  who 
havn’t  any  idea  of  discipline — even  those  girls  do  not  become 
prostitutes.  The  ranks  appear  to  be  filled  almost  entirelj* 
from  the  daughters  of  the  poor,  which  shows  to  mj'-  mind  that 
the  trouble  is  not  exactly  lax  parental  discipline  so  much  as 
absence  of  attractions  within  the  home.  Parents  are  only  one 
element.  Girls  are  very  powerfully  influenced  to  keep  straight. 
I think  the  greatest  miracle  of  the  twentieth  century  is  that 
we  have  at  least  four  millions  of  girls  going  every  day  entirely 
beyond  home  care,  to  engage  in  industry,  and  so  very  few  go- 
ing wrong.  It  is  a miracle,  the  sentiment  that  they  develop 
among  themselves.  It  really  ought  to  renew  our  faith  in  human 
nature  that  these  working  girls  do  so  well.  Of  course,  I expect 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  -Committee. 


189 


the  timo  is  sroing  to  come  when  every  considerable  employer, 
of  girls  Avill  have  sufficient  sense  of  responsibility  to  have  some 
matron,  somebody  to  keep  an  eye  on  these  girls  all  the  time, 
inst  as  a teacher,  onr  community  servant,  keeps  her  eye  npon 
the  girls  in  the  schools.  We  have  dravrn  these  yonng  women 
into  industry  organized  with  reference  to  men,  and  we  have 
not  yet  adapted  it  to  the  employment  of  yonng  women.  Jnst 
as  when  we  hronght  yonng  women  to  college,  the  stairs  were 
adinsted  to  men,  not  to  women.  We  had  to  tear  them  ont  and 
make  them  two  or  three  inches  lower.  The  younger  employers 
are  getting  their  eyes  open  as  to  what  it  is  np  to  them  to  do. 

0.  What  is  yonr  idea  of  forbidding  the  employment  of 
women  in  certain  industries,  with  the  thought  of  forcing  them 
to  marry?  A.  Ton  mean  industries  for  which  they  are  ill- 
adapted  or  inst  to  curtail  their  opportunities  for  self-snpport? 

O.  Well,  both  wavs.  A.  T would,  of  course,  believe  in  enr- 
tailing  the  indnstrial  opportnnities  where  it  is  demonstrable 
that  their  health  or  their  morals  are  at  stake,  or  rather  I 
would  do  this  for  women  under  a certain  age,  nnder  twenty- 
one,  maybe ; hnt  the  proposition  to  make  it  harder  in  any  way 
for  women  to  engage  in  indnstry  ontside  of  the  home,  I am 
thoronghlv  opposed  to.  I think  that  would  he  ahsolntely  reac- 
tionary. The  other  alternative,  instead  of  making  indnstry 
less  inviting,  is  to  make  the  home  more  inviting,  and  we  are 
doing  it  all  the  time  by  treating  the  married  woman  better, 
obliging  her  to  he  better  treated  by  her  husband  and  better 
treated  by  the  law.  That,  to  ray  mind,  is  the  chief  secret  force 
that  has  been  transforming  the  lot  of  married  women  in  this 
country,  the  fact  that  she  can  do  something  else  than  marry. 

0.  A lady  in  this  building,  T understand,  and  she  simply 
voiced  the  common  sentiment,  yesterday  said:  “I  will  never 
marry  any  man  and  bring  np  a family,  when  I can  get  $75.00 
a month.”  Were  that  high  compensation  removed,  would  she 
then  take  the  family  course?  A.  My  study  of  cities  where  the 
manufacturing  was  all  for  men,  metallurgical  cities,  where  the 
women  have  nothing  to  do  but  marry,  and  other  cities  where 
the  industries  were  textiles  and  gave  them  any  amount  of  op- 
portunity for  Avork,  has  convinced  me  that  the  attraction  of 
the  sexes  is  an  absolutely  fundamental  thing  and  one  need 
never  worry  lest  it  fade  out  or  prove  insufficient  to  bring  to- 
gether the  requisite  number  of  couples.  You  may  not  realize 
that  people  are  marrying  younger  in  this  country  than  twenty 
years  ago,  as  is  proven  by  statistics,  and  more  of  them  are 
marrying  at  these  younger  ages.  The  proportion  of  adults 
married  at  tiventv.  tAventA'-fiA'-e  and  thirty  is  greater  now  than 
in  1890. 

Q.  In  proportion  to  population  you  mean?  A.  I mean  that 
out  of  every  1,000  women  between  twenty  and  twenty  five, 


190 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


more  of  them  'were  married  in  1910  tlian  in  1S90,  and  out  of 
every  1,000  men  likewise.  So  that  we  need  not  Avorry  ahont 
the  sex  atti'action  being  too  Aveak  to  compete  Avith  a salary  of 
so  mtieli  per  month.  I may  say  that  one  thing  Ave  can  do  is 
to  cease  to  sneer  at  the  man  AA’hose  Avife  retains  her  job  after 
marriage.  That  Avill  no  longer  make  it  imperatiA'e  that  a 
Avoman  shall  give  up  a good  job  the  moment  she  marries;  and 
if  it  is  not  necessary,  they  Avill  keep  their  jobs  and  marry. 

Q.  Yon  do  not  think  it  Avould  be  a good  policy  then  to  for- 
bid Avomen,  Avhen  they  become  married,  to  cease  their  Avork;  in 
an  occupation  I mean ; or  in  other  Avords,  they  may  still  retain 
their  positions  and  keep  out  some  other  girl  Avho  might  Avant 
to  take  the  job  at  that  time?  A.  I do  not  think  Ave  ought  to 
shut  married  Avomen  out  of  industry,  except  Avith  reference  to 
so  many  Aveeks  at  the  period  of  maternity.  Soniethiug  of  that 
kind.  But  the  shutting  of  married  Avomen  out  of  doing  Avork 
Avhieh  they  are  fitted  to  do  Avould  be  like  tying  them  doAvn. 
Their  asset  in  getting  men  to  treat  them  better  has  not  been 
agitation  and  talk.  It  has  been  the  fact  that  they  could  reject 
a man  if  he  Avould  not  treat  them  right,  because  they 
could  support  themseh’es ; if  you  make  them  more  help- 
less along  those  lines,  it  simply  ties  them  doAvn  and  makes 
their  position  Aveaker  in  dealing  Avith  men  and  endeaA’oring  to 
get  a square  deal  in  the  matrimonial  relations. 

Q.  What  effect  Avould  it  have  on  the  other  class,  avIio  are  out 
of  employment?  A.  The  demand  for  the  Avork  of  Avomen  is  in- 
creasing faster  than  the  supply.  The  tendency  is  not  toAvard  a 
loAver  Avage ; it  is  toAvard  a higher  Avage.  The  Avomen  Avho  af- 
ter marriage  continue  in  industry,  Avill  be  only  a fraction  of 
the  Avomen  Avho  marry  in  any  case,  and  it  Avill  not  be  the  Ioav 
paid  Avomen  aa'Iio  are  the  competitors  of  the  girl  Avho  is  just 
starting;  it  Avill  be  the  Avoman  AA'ho  has  got  a job  so  good  that 
she  does  not  Avaut  to  giA'e  it  up,  and  her  husband  does  not  Avaut 
her  to  gAe  it  up.  It  is  an  interesting  job  to  her.  In  other 
Avords,  Avith  her  job,  Avith  the  experience  behind  it,  paA-iug 
her  $20.00  a Aveek  she  is  not  in  any  Avay  a competitor  of  the 
girl  Avho  is  just  starting  in  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  and  is  Avorth 
only  seven  or  eight  dollars  a Aveek. 

Q.  Is  it  not  a fact,  on  that  same  line,  that  Ave  haA-e  in  "^his 
state  thousands  of  men  that  are  out  of  employment,  seeking 
employment,  and  are  driAmn  out  by  reason  of  Avomen  taking 
their  places  and  in  that  Avay  they  are  kept  from  marriage?  A. 
I think  that  brings  us  back  to  a A'ery  ancient  debate.  For  in- 
stance, labor  saving  machinery.  That  has  come  in  tremen- 
dously. It  Avas  coming  in  strongest  seA'enty  or  eighty  years 
ago.  Those  Avere  the  days  Avhen  mobs  smashed  the  machinery 
in  England,  and  the  argument  made  seemed  to  be  perfectly  un- 


i 

Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee.  191 

' escapable,  that  there  Avould  he  more  Avork  for  them  if  these 
I machines  AA'ere  not  brought  in;  hut  economists  noAV  days  all 
agree  that  the  machines  indirectly  made  more  jobs  than  they 
destroyed.  In  the  same  AAmy  I believe  that  the  admission  of 
j women  makes  as  many  male  jobs  as  it  destroys,  and  so  on.  So 
I I do  not  believe  in  making  the  supply  of  labor  scarce,  if  it  is 
I good  labor.  I do  not  call  child  labor  good  labor. 

; Q.  Take  these  figures  from  the  report  of  the  MilAvaukee 
Board  of  Health.  (Figures  shoAAung  percentage  of  illegitimacy 
among  domestics  and  others,  read.)  That  shoAA^s  about  60  per 
i cent  domestics  and  10  per  cent  factory  employees  and  about  the 
same  clerks.  Does  that  indicate  anything  as  to  the  illegitimacy 
in  different  lines  of  Avork?  A.  It  indicates  a great  deal.  Those 
i figures  exactly  agree  AAuth  Avhat  you  find  in  Ncav  York  City, 
for  example,  and  other  cities.  The  reason  is,  I think,  chiefly 
' that  factory  labor  is  associate  labor.  The  girls  Avork  out 
among  themselves  certain  standards  as  to  AAdiat  you  may  do 
and  Avhat  you  must  not  do,  and  they  draAv  a line  beyond  AAdiieh 
you  must  not  go  or  they  Avill  not  associate  Avith  you.  On  the 
other  hand,  in  domestic  service,  the  girl  is  meeting  temptation 
single  handed.  The  temptation  is  nearer  to  her  and  more 
I around  her  than  in  the  case  of  the  factory  girl,  and  she  is 
' less  aided  in  coping  AAuth  it. 

Q.  We  Avant  to  knoAV  if  Ave  can  do  anything  to  help  matters. 

I A.  Why,  the  encouragement  of  clubs  and  groups  on  the  part 
j of  domestic  servants ; if  they  belong  to  the  Y.  W.  C.  A.,  or  be- 
long to  some  Avorking  girl’s  club  that  Avould  brace  them  up 
tremendously,  I think.  I think  that  is  the  chief  thing. 

Q.  You  said  something  about  the  age  of  child  labor.  At 
AA’hat  age  do  you  think  a child  should  begin  labor?  A.  It 
ought  to  be  in  relation  to  their  attainments;  at  least  to  be  con- 
sidered equally  Avith  the  age.  That  is  to  say,  a child  of  fifteen 
is  physically  mature  enough  to  engage  Avithout  harm  in  most 
kinds  of  labor,  but  if  that  child  cannot  yet  read  and  write, 
unless  it  is  subnormal,  it  should  be  kept  at  school  until  it  can. 
Of  course,  I believe  that  the  years  fourteen  to  sixteen  Avould 
he  of  infinitely  more  A'alue,  both  to  the  child  and  to  the  com- 
munity, if  spent  in  the  workshops,  in  industrial  education, 
than  if  spent  in  Avage  earning. 

Q.  HaAm  you  anything  to  suggest  in  the  Avay  of  laAv  enforce- 
ment on  this  subject?  A.  I should  think  the  employment  of 
some  Avoman  for  this  line  of  police  duty  Avould  be  very  bene- 
ficial. The  jDoliceman’s  honor  is  in  not  running  aAvay  Avhen 
there  is  a man  flourishing  a gun.  He  is  a hrave  man.  If  he  ac- 
cepts graft  from  the  keeper  of  a disorderly  house,  that  does 
not  make  him  feel  that  he  has  lost  his  manhood.  In  other 
AA’ords,  the  policeman  is  a protector  against  violence.  He  is  not 


192 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


a protector  against  vice.  A woman ’s  nature  woulrl  go  out,  nor- 
mally, with  the  victimized  woman,  and  she  would  have  to  be 
a very  had  woman,  indeed,  to  begin  to  become  a grafter  in  this 
business. 

Q.  We  have  found  cases  here  in  Wisconsin,  where  we  have 
plenty  of  laws ; we  have  the  evil ; the  officials  know  of  it ; they 
will  not  do  anything  to  enforce  those  laws.  What  is  the  state 
going  to  do  about  it,  or  the  county?  Some  of  them  give  as  a 
reason,  that  it  is  against  public  opinion.  Has  a minority  any 
right  there?  Is  there  any  way  of  making  those  officials  do 
their  duty  and  enforce  the  law?  A.  I do  not  believe  I am 
ready  to  offer  anything  of  value  on  that  point.  The  only  way 
that  I have  ever  known  is  for  the  decent  element,  who  are 
not  taking  any  notice  to  sit  up  and  take  notice — that  is  the 
chief  trouble,  that  the  people  are  not  taking  any  notice. 

Q.  Do  you  see  any  remedy,  where  one  city  in  this  state,  for 
instance,  permits  that  to  go  on  openly  and  knowingly,  and  all 
of  the  rest  of  the  state  must  submit  to  the  injury  thus  brought 
about?  Has  the  state  any  duty  upon  the  subject?  A.  I sup- 
pose the  only  thing  would  he  for  the  Governor  to  he  authorized 
to  remove  the  officials  that  are  neglecting  their  sworn  duty. 

Q.  Supposing  the  Governor  does  not  do  it?  A.  Well,  I don’t 
recollect  any  other  suggestion.  I know  that  in  the  case  of 
lynching,  the  Governor  of  a state  has  been  authorized  to  re- 
move the  sheriff  who  does  not  prevent  lynchings. 

Q.  Have  you  given  any  thought  to  the  teaching  of  sex  hygi- 
ene? A.  Yes  sir. 

Q.  What  is  your  opinion?  A.  I think  it  is  absolutely  nec- 
essary to  come  to  this.  I agree  that  it  would  be  desirable  for 
parents  to  take  that  up  and  leave  the  school  free  from  that 
undesired  responsibility;  but  the  parents  are  not  doing  it.  and 
we  have  no  assurance  that  they  ever  will  do  it:  and  so  the  choice 
is  not  between  the  parents  doing  it,  or  the  teacher : it  is  be- 
tween the  teacher  doing  it  or  allowing  other  young  people  to  do 
it,  and  Avhen  it  comes  to  a choice  there,  T have  no  hesitation. 
I know,  of  course,  that  it  is  very  easy  to  do  some  persons  more 
harm  than  good.  The  qualifications  of  an  acceptable  instructor 
Avill  be  very  much  liigher  than  the  ordinary  qualifications  for 
teaching.  I should  think  that  in  a big  city  they  could  find 
competent  instructors  in  sex  hygiene  and  keep  them  moving 
about  from  school  to  school.  The  ordinary  teachers  are  not 
capable  of  doing  it  right.  There  is  always  great  danger  of  ex- 
citing and  suggesting  rather  than  stimulating  them  to  think. 

Q.  Do  you  knoAv  of  any  teacher,  however  poorly  equipped, 
that  Avould  teach  it  in  any  worse  way  than  the  way  boys  and 
girls  get  it  now?  A.  No. 

Q.  At  what  age  would  you  begin  teaching  sex  hygiene?  A. 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


193 


I have  not  focused  ray  attention  on  those  details,  so  ray  judg- 
ment is  of  no  value ; but  I am  sure  that  ,if  you  wait,  as  you 
say,  until  high  school,  it  means  tliat  nineteen  out  of  twenty 
will  never  come  Avithin  reach  of  your  instruction;  so  I should 
think  that  Ave  ought  to  begin  at  the  age  of  eleven;  not  later 
than  that. 

Q.  What  is  your  opinion  of  the  advisability  of  having  sex 
hygiene  taught  uoav  in  the  university,  and  normal  schools,  Avitb 
a vicAV  of  the  students  not  only  becoming  teachers,  but  becom- 
ing fathers  and  mothers  in  a short  course  of  time,  and  thus 
be  instructed?  A.  Well,  there  is  no  cpiestion  about  the  nor- 
mal schools,  because  they  are  turning  out  the  people  Avho  Avill 
have  to  be  the  source  of  AA'liatcA^er  is  going  to  be  introduced  in- 
to the  common  schools  later  on.  In  the  uiiiAmrsity,  I should 
think  that  students  ought  to  be  segregated  and  ought  to  be 
giA'en  in  a very  careful  manner  a certain  minimum  of  neces- 
sary knoAvledge.  It  seems  to  me  that  the  fact  that  it  is  very 
easy  to  do  it  blundei’ingly  should  not  deter  us  from  looking 
about  until  Ave  find  people  Avho  can  do  it  properly. 

Q.  We  have  the  university  doing  a lot  of  Avork  in  special 
lines,  such  as  pure  seeds,  hoAV  to  get  rid  of  grass  hoppers,  and 
so  forth;  Avhat  Avould  be  your  thought  of  having  some  branch 
of  the  extension  cliAusion  or  some  other  part  of  the  university 
make  an  investigation  that  AA'ould  bring  about  pure  boys  and 
girls, — taking  the  moral  side  rather  than  the  physical  side? 
A.  Well,  I Avould  say  that  a public  or  state  supported  institu- 
tion in  selecting  its  sphei'e  of  usefubiess  must  i)ay  due  regard 
to  the  feelings  of  the  citizens,  and  I am  not  at  all  sure  that 
{he  university  could  yet  engage  in  that  service  Avithout  Avound- 
ing  the  sense  of  propriety  of  a great  many  ])erfeetly  good  citi- 
zens. I think  that  consideration  has  to  he  kept  in  mind. 

Q.  Do  you  not  consider  pure  boys  and  girls  the  best  asset 
to  this  state?  A.  Yes  sir. 

Q.  That  being  true,  is  it  not  necessary  that  that  aspect 
should  be  subserved  as  Avell  as  the  financial?  A.  Certainly,  but 
whether  or  not  the  university  is  the  best  agency  to  use  for 
that  improvement — it  seems  to  me  that  is  an  open  question. 

Q.  Would  you  suggest  any  better  agency?  A.  There  are 
agencies  outside  of  this  state  whose  research  results  can  easily 
l)e  had.  One  could  call  the  attention  of  the  people  to  the  litera- 
ture. Another  thing  is  not  to  try  to  reach  the  average  parent 
directly,  but  reach  those  Avho  reach  them,  we  Avill  say,  the 
clergy  and  the  teachers.  To  get  into  direct  touch  Avith  parents 
in  general  on  this  subject  is  pretty  difficult.  Personally  I 
should  feel  that  the  university  might  lose  as  much  in  other 
kinds  of  service  as  it  could  gain  by  this  service,  because  it  is 
so  easy  to  raisuudei'stand  and  misrepresent  Avhat  the  uuiA-er- 
sity  is  trying  to  do, 


13— V.  0. 


194 


Report  of  the  AVisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Q.  We  have  every  year  a Aveek's  course  iu  apiculture.  The 
farmers  of  the  state  come  here.  Very  good  field;  no  question 
about  it.  Would  it  not  be  of  equal  serAuce  to  the  state,  or  even 
far  better,  if  a like  time  Avere  deAmted  to  the  improvement  of 
the  moral  thought  or  bringing  about  of  those  things  Avhich  Avill 
improve  the  morals  of  the  state?  A.  Yes,  if  it  Avere  done  Avith 
perfect  discrimination,  but  you  can  make  infinitely  more  blun- 
ders in  a eugenic  Aveek  than  in  an  agricultural  Aveek.  I think 
that  your  idea  Avill  be  more  generally  accepted  in  1975  than  in 
1914. 

Q.  It  seems  to  me  it  might  be  a Amry  good  suggestion  to  hacn 
something  like  that  purity  congress  at  Minneapolis,  the  great 
social  workers  and  ministers  come  together  from  each  state, 
and  have  a meeting  of  that  kind.  A.  Yes,  that  is  a someAvhat 
different  proposition.  There  might  be  a conAmniug  of  physi- 
cians and  social  workers  and  others  to  consider  Avhat  might  be 
done  in  the  way  of  more  widely  acquainting  parents  through- 
out the  state  Avith  the  various  perils  to  good  parenthood.  It 
is  just  a matter  of  method, — there  is  no  difference  of  opinion 
as  to  the  desirability  of  it ; it  is  just  a question  of  Avhat  means 
will  Avork  noAv  Avith  the  present  state  of  opinion,  and  what 
means  are  premature. 


WISCONSIN  STATUTES  RELATING  TO  PROSTITUTION 
AND  ALLIED  SUBJECTS. 

Polygamy.  Sec.  4577.  Any  person  having  a husband  or  Avife 
living  who  shall  marry  another  person  shall  be  deemed  guilty 
of  polygamy,  and  shall  be  punished  therefor  by  imprisonment 
in  the  state  prison  not  more  than  five  years  nor  less  than  one 
year,  or  by  fine  not  exceeding  one  thousand  dollars  nor  less 
than  tAvo  hundred  dollars. 

Limitation.  Sec.  4578.  The  proA-isions  of  the  preceding  sec- 
tion shall  not  extend  to  any  person  AA'hose  husband  or  Avife  shall 
liave  been  continually  remaining  beyond  sea,  or  shall  haA'e  a'oI- 
nntarily  AvithdraAvn  from  the  other  and  remained  absent  for 
the  space  of  seAmn  years  together,  the  party  marrying  again 
not  kuoAving  the  other  to  be  living  Avithin  that  time ; nor  to  any 
person  aaJio  has  been  dNorced  from  the  bonds  of  matrimony. 

Lewd  and  lascivious  behavior.  Sec.  4579.  Any  man  and  avo- 
man,  not  being  married  to  each  other,  Avho  shall  leAvdly  and 
lasciviously  cohabit  and  associate  together,  or  any  man  or  avo- 
man,  married  or  unmarried,  Avho  shall  be  guilty  of  open  and 
gross  leAvdness  and  lascivious  behavior,  eA^ery  such  person 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee.  195 

sliall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  not  more 
than  one  year,  or  by  fine  not  exceeding  five  hundred  dollars  nor 
less  than  one  hundred  dollars. 

Intercourse  with  sane  single  female.  Sec.  4580.  Any  man 

who  commits  fornication  with  a sane  single  female  over  the  age 
of  fourteen  years,  each  of  them  shall  be  punished  by  imprison- 
ment in  the  county  jail  not  more  than  six  months  or  by  fine 
not  exceeding  one  hundred  dollars,  or  by  both  such  fine  and  im- 
prisonment. Any  man  Avho  commits  fornication  with  a sane 
female  of  previous  chaste  character,  under  the  age  of  eighteen 
years,  shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  state  prison 
not  more  than  four  years  or  by  fine  not  exceeding  five  hundred 
dollars,  or  by  both  fine  and  imprisonment. 

Intercourse  with  insane  female.  Sec.  4480m.  Any  man  who 

commits  fornication,  adultery,  or  incest  with  any  female  who  is 
idiotic,  insane  or  imbecile  shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment 
in  the  state  prison  not  more  than  fifteen  years  nor  less  than 
five  years. 

i 

Seduction.  Sec.  4581.  Any  unmarried  man  who,  under 
promise  of  marriage,  or  any  married  man  Avho  shall  seduce  and 
have  illicit  connection  with  any  unmarried  female  of  previous 
chaste  character  shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  state 
prison  not  more  than  five  years  nor  less  than  one  year  or  by  im- 
prisonment in  the  county  jail  not  more  than  one  year;  but  no 
conviction  shall  be  had  for  such  olfense  on  the  testimony  of 
the  female  seduced,  unsupported  by  other  evidence,  nor  unless 
the  indictment  or  information  for  the  same  shall  be  found  or 
presented  within  two  years  after  the  commission  of  the  offense ; 
provided,  that  the  subsequent  intermarriage  of  the  parties  may 
be  pleaded  in  bar  of  a conviction. 

Soliciting  female  for  purposes  of  prostitution.  Sec.  4581a. 

Any  person  who,  by  force,  threats,  promises  or  any  other  means 
or  inducements,  shall  entice,  inveigle,  solicit,  induce  or  take  any 
unmarried  female  of  previous  chaste  character  of  the  age  of  six- 
teen years  or  under,  from  her  father,  mother,  guardian  or  other 
person  having  the  legal  care  or  custody  of  any  such  female,  or 
from  her  home  or  other  place  of  abode,  Avherever  she  may  be, 
for  the  purpose  of  seduction,  prostitution,  or  with  intent  to  se- 
duce, defile,  deflower,  or  for  the  purpose  of  entering,  causing, 
inducing  or  procuring  her  to  enter  any  house  of  ill  fame,  assig' 
nation  or  other  place  of  prostitution  for  tlie  purpose  of  prosti- 
tion,  either  temporarily  or  as  an  inmate  of  any  house  or  place, 
and  any  person  who  shall  directly  or  indirectly  cause,  procure 
or  knowingly  permit  the  same  to  be  done,  or  who  shall  in  any 


196 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


way  aid,  abet  or  assist,  directly  or  indirectly, ‘ in  doing  such 
tiling  for  any  of  the  puriioses  aforesaid,  or  who  shall  cause, 
jirocure,  aid,  assist,  knowingly  permit  or  abet  in  any  manner 
the  seduction,  defilement,  deflowering  or  the  having  of  illicit 
intercourse  with  any  such  female  by  any  person,  either  at  her 
liome  or  other  place  of  abode  or  elsewhere,  shall  be  punished 
by  imprisonment  in  the  state  prison  not  more  than  ten  years 
nor  less  than  one  year  or  by  fine  not  exceeding  one  thousand 
dollars. 

Sec.  4581b.  Any  person  who  shall  fraudulently,  deceitfully 
or  by  any  false  representations  entice,  abduct,  induce,  decoy, 
hire,  engage,  employ  or  take  any  woman  over  sixteen  years  of 
age  and  of  previous  chaste  character  from  her  father’s  house 
or  from  any  other  place  where  she  may  be  for  the  purpose  of 
prostitution  or  for  unlawful  sexual  intercourse,  and  any  per- 
son who  shall  knowingly  or  intentionallj^  aid,  abet,  assist,  ad- 
vise or  encourage  any  such  act  for  the  purpose  aforesaid  shall 
be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  state  prison  not  less  than 
five  years  nor  more  than  fifteen  years. 

Sec.  4581c.  Any  person  who  shall  by  any  such  means  as  are 
mentioned  in  the  next  preceding  section,  entice,  abduct,  induce, 
decoy,  hire,  engage,  employ  or  take  in  any  manner  an}-  female 
from  her  home  or  from  any  other  place  where  she  may  be,  for 
the  purpose  of  prostitution  or  for  unlawful  sexual  intercourse, 
and  any  person  who  shall  knowingly  or  intentionally  aid,  abet, 
assist,  advise  or  encourage  the  doing  of  any  such  act  for  the 
purpose  aforesaid  shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the 
state  prison  not  more  than  five  years  nor  less  than  one  year. 

Detention  in  house  of  ill  fame.  Sec.  4581d.  Any  person  who 
shall  detain  any  woman  against  her  will  by  force,  threats,  put- 
ting in  bodily  fear  or  by  any  other  means  at  a house  of  ill  fame 
or  any  other  place  by  any  name  or  description  whatever,  for 
the  purpose  of  prostitution  or  for  unlawful  sexual  intercourse, 
and  any  person  who  shall  aid,  abet,  advise,  assist  or  encourage 
in  such  detention  shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  state 
prison  not  more  than  fifteen  years  nor  less  than  five  years. 

Keeping  premises  for  unlawful  purposes.  Sec.  4581e.  Any 

person,  being  the  owner,  lessee  or  occupant  of  any  premises,  or 
having,  in  whole  or  in  part,  the  management  or  control  thereof, 
who  induces  or  knowingly  permits  any  female  under  twenty- 
one  years  of  age  to  resort  to  or  be  in  or  upon  such  premises  for 
the  purpose  of  i)rostitution  or  unlawful  sexual  intercourse  shall 
be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  state  prison  not  more  tlian 
five  years  nor  less  than  one  year, 


Report  oe  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


197 


Soliciting’  for  the  purpose  of  prostitution.  Sec.  4581f.  Any 

person  who  shall  solicit,  induce,  encourage  or  entice  by  fraudu- 
lent or  deceitful  representations  intended  or  naturally  tending 
to  induce,  entice  or  encourage,  an  unmarried  woman  of  previ- 
ous chaste  character  to  leave  her  father’s  house  or  any  other 
place  where  she  may  be  found  for  the  purpose  of  prostitution  or 
for  the  purpose  of  unlawful  sexual  intercourse  at  a house  of 
ill  fame  or  assignation  and  any  person  who  shall  in  any  manner 
aid,  abet,  or  assist  in  any  such  solicitation  for  such  purpose 
shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  for  not 
less  than  six  months  or  by  imprisonment  in  the  state  prison  not 
to  exceed  one  year. 

Evidence  as  to  house  of  ill  fame,  etc.  Sec.  4581g.  In  all 

prosecutions  under  these  statutes  or  any  other  laws  for  the 
suppression  of  houses  of  ill  fame,  assignation  or  places  of  sim- 
ilar character,  or  for  keeping  any  such  place  or  for  being  an 
inmate  or  frequenter  thereof  it  shall  be  competent  for  the 
prosecution  to  establish  the  character  of  any  such  house  or  place 
by  showing  that  the  same  has  a common  or  general  reputation 
as  a house  of  ill  fame,  brothal,  bawdyhouse  or  house  of  assigna- 
tion, or  that  such  house,  while  in  the  possession  of  the  inmates 
occupying  it  at  or  about  the  time  alleged  in  the  information, 
indictment  or  other  pleading  was  promiscuously  visited  at  un- 
seasonable hours  by  drivers  and  sundry  persons  not  then  resi- 
dents therein ; and  such  showing  shall  be  prima  facie  evidence 
that  such  house  or  place  is  a house  of  ill  fame,  brothel  bawdy- 
house  or  house  of  assignation  as  alleged  in  the  information,  in- 
dictments or  other  pleadings. 

Witness  not  privileged.  Sec.  4581h.  No  person  shall  be  ex- 
cused or  privileged  from  testifying  fully  under  oath  in  any 
prosecution  brought  under  the  provisions  of  either  of  the  pre- 
ceding seven  sections  or  for  any  of  the  causes  mentioned  in  the 
last  preceding  section ; but  no  testimony  so  given  by  any  person 
shall  be  used  against  him  in  anj^  civil  or  criminal  action  to 
which  he  is  a party,  except  a prosecution  for  perjury  committed 
in  giving  such  testimony. 

Pandering.  Sec.  4581h — 1.  Any  person  who  shall  knowingly 
accept,  receive,  levy  or  appropriate  any  money  or  other  valu- 
able thing,  without  consideration,  from  the  proceeds  of  the 
earnings  of  any  woman  engaged  in  prostitution,  shall  be  deemed 
guilty  of  a felony,  and  on  conviction  thereof  shall  be  punished 
by  imprisonment  for  a period  not  less  than  two  nor  more  than 
twenty  years.  Any  such  acceptance,  receipt,  levy  or  appro- 
pi’iation  of  such  money  or  valuable  thing,  shall  upon  any  pro- 
ceeding or  trial  for  violation  of  this  section  be  presumptive  evi- 
dence of  lack  of  consideration. 


198  IReport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Prostitution;  situs  of  crime.  Sec.  4581h — 2.  It  sliall  not  Le  a 
defense  to  a iiroseeution  for  any  of  the  acts  prohibited  by  sec- 
tions 4581a  to  4581g,  inclusive,  of  the  statutes,  that  any  part 
of  such  act  or  acts  shall  have  been  committed  outside  this  state, 
and  the  offense  shall  in  such  case  be  deemed  and  alleged  to  have 
been  committed,  and  the  offender  tried  and  punished  in  any 
county  in  Avhich  the  prostitution  Avas  intended  to  be  practiced 
or  in  Avhich  the  offense  was  consummated,  or  anj’  overt  act  in 
furtherance  of  the  offense  shall  have  been  committed. 

Prostitute  competent  witness,  whether  married  or  single. 
Sec.  4581h — 3.  Any  such  female  person  referred  to  in  sections 
4581a  to  4581g,  inclusive,  of  the  statutes,  shall  be  a competent 
witness  in  any  prosecution  under  sections  4581h — 1,  458111 — 2 
and  4581h — 3 to  testify  for  or  against  the  accused  as  to  any 
transaction  or  as  to  any  conversation  ivith  the  accused  or  by 
him  with  another  person  or  persons  in  her  presence,  notwith- 
standing her  having  married  the  accused  before  or  after  the  vio- 
lation of  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  act,  whether  called  as  a 
witness  during  the  existence  of  the  marriage  or  after  its  dis- 
solution. 

Persons  responsible  for  delinquency  of  children  to  be  pun- 
ished. Sec.  4581i.  In  all  cases  ivliere  any  child  shall  be  a de- 
linquent child  as  defined  by  the  statutes  (See.  573 — 2)  the 
parent  or  parents,  legal  guardian,  or  person  having  the  cus- 
tody of  such  child,  or  anj^  other  person  responsible  for  the  de- 
linquency, through  wilful  neglect  or  by  any  ivilful  act  encour- 
aging, causing  or  contributing  to  the  delinquency  of  such 
child,  shall  be  guilty  of  a misdemeanor,  and  upon  trial  and  con- 
viction thereof  shall  be  fined  in  a sum  not  to  exceed  five  hun- 
dred dollars,  or  imprisoned  in  the  county  jail  for  a period  not 
exceeding  one  year,  or  punished  bj'  both  such  fine  and  im- 
prisonment. (Court  may  stay  sentence  not  to  exceed  two 
years,  etc.). 

“Delinquent  child’’  defined.  Sec.  573 — 1.  Subsec.  2.  The 
words  “delinquent  child’’  .shall  include  auA'  girl  under  the  age 
of  eighteen  years,  and  any  boy  under  the  age  of  seventeen 
years,  Avho  Anolates  any  law  of  this  state,  the  penalty  for  Avhich 
is  not  imprisonment  in  the  state  prison  * * * or  ivho 

kuoAvingly  visits  or  enters  a house  of  ill  repute;  or  who  patron- 
izes, visits  or  enters  any  stall  saloon,  or  Avine  room  or  any 
saloon  frequented  by  men  or  Avomen  of  bad  repute  * 

or  is  guilty  of  immoral  conduct  in  any  public  place,  or  about 
any  schoolhouse  * . 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


199 


Incest.  Sec.  4582.  Any  person  being  within  the  degree  of 
consanguinity  within  which  marriages  are  prohibited  or  de- 
clared by  law  to  be  incestuous  and  void,  who  shall  intermarry 
with  each  other  or  who  shall  commit  adultery  or  fornication 
with  each  other  shall  he  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  state 
prison  not  more  than  ten  years  nor  less  than  two  years. 

Producing  miscarriage.  Sec.  4583.  Any  person  who  shall 
administer  to  any  pregnant  woman,  or  prescribe  for  such 
woman,  or  advise  or  procure  any  such  Avoman  to  take  any 
medicine,  drug  or  substance  or  thing  Avhatever,  or  shall  use  or 
employ  any  instrument  or  other  means  whatever,  or  advise  or 
procure  the  same  to  be  used,  with  intent  thereby  to  procure 
the  miscarriage  of  any  such  woman  shall  be  punished  by  im- 
prisonment in  the  county  jail  not  more  than  one  year  nor  less 
than  six  months  or  by  fine  not  exceeding  five  hundred  dollars 
nor  less  than  tAVo  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  or  both  by  such 
fine  and  imprisonment  in  the  discretion  of  the  court. 

Attempting  miscarriage.  Sec.  4584.  Any  woman  who  shall 
take  any  medicine,  drug,  substance  or  thing  whatever,  or  who 
shall  use  or  employ  any  instrument  or  other  means  whatever, 
or  who  shall  submit  to  any  operation  or  treatment  with  in- 
tent to  procure  from  herself  any  miscarriage  shall  be  pun- 
ished by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  not  more  than  six 
months  nor  less  than  one  month,  or  by  fine  not  exceeding  one 
hundred  dollars. 

Concealing  death  of  bastard.  Sec.  4585.  Any  Avoman  Avho 
shall  conceal  the  death  of  any  issue  of  her  body  which,  if  born 
alive,  would  be  a bastard  so  that  it  may  not  be  knoAvn  Avhether 
such  issue  Avas  born  alive  or  not  or  Avhether  it  Avas  not  mur- 
dered, shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail 
not  more  than  one  year  nor  less  than  six  months,  or  by  fine  not 
exceeding  three  hundred  dollars  nor  less  than  one  hundred 
dollars. 

Abandonment  of  young  child.  Sec.  4587.  Any  person  hav- 
ing the  custody  of  any  child  under  the  age  of  six  years  who 
shall  expose  such  child  in  any  higliAvay  or  any  other  place,  Avith 
intent  to  abandon  it,  shall  be  punisbed  by  imprisonment  in  the 
state  prison  not  more  than  three  years  nor  less  than  one  year, 
or  by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  not  more  than  one  year. 

Employment  of  children  under  14  years  of  age.  Sec.  4587a. 

Any  person  having  the  care,  custody  or  control  of  any  child 
under  the  age  of  fourteen  years  Avho  shall  exhibit,  use  or  em- 
})loy,  or  in  any  manner  or  under  any  pretense  sell,  apprentice, 
give  aAvay,  let  out  or  otherAvise  dispose  of  such  child  to  any 


200 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


person  for  any  obscene,  Indecent  or  immoral  purpose,  exhibi- 
tion or  practice,  or  for  any  business,  exhibition  or  vocation 
injurious  to  the  health  or  dangerous  to  the  life  or  limb  of  such 
child,  or  who  shall  cause,  procure,  or  encourage  any  such  child 
to  engage  therein,  and  any  person  who  shall  take,  receive,  hire, 
employ,  use,  exliibit  or  have  in  custody  an^'  such  child  for  any 
such  purpose  shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  county 
jail  not  exceeding  six  months  or  by  fine  of  not  more  than  one 
hundred  dollars,  or  by  both  imprisonment  and  fine. 

Abandonment  of  child.  Sec.  4587c.  * * Any  person 

Avho  shall,  Avithout  lawful  excuse,  desert  or  wilfully  neglect 
or  refuse  to  provide  for  the  support  and  maintenance  of  his 
or  her  legitimate  or  illegitimate  minor  child  or  children  un- 
der the  age  of  sixteen  years  in  destitute  or  necessitous  circum- 
stances, shall  be  guilty  of  a crime  and,  on  conviction  there- 
of, shall  1)6  punished  by  tine  not  exceeding  five  hundred  dol- 
lars, or  imprisonment  in  the  state  prison,  county  jail  or  in  the 
county  workhouse  not  exceeding  two  years,  or  both,  in  the 
discretion  of  the  court.  And  it  is  hereby  made  the  duty  of  the 
parent  of  any  illegitimate  child  or  children,  under  the  age  of 
sixteen  years,  to  provide  for  the  support  and  maintenance  of 
such  illegitimate  child  or  children.  Provided,  that  the  parent 
of  any  illegitimate  child  Avho  shall  have  made  provision  for 
the  support  of  such  child  by  giving  bond,  or  by  settlement 
with  the  proper  officers  in  accordance  Avith  the  pi'ovisions  of 
chapter  64  of  the  statutes,  shall  not  be  subject  to  the  provi- 
sions of  this  section. 

Indecent  Exposure.  Bee.  4588.  Any  person  who  shall  pub- 
licly expose  his  or  her  person,  in  an  obscene  or  indecent  man- 
ner shall  be  guilty  of  a misdemeanor,  and  upon  conviction 
thereof  shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail, 
not  more  than  six  months  nor  less  than  ten  days,  or  by  a fine 
not  exceeding  one  hundred  dollars,  nor  less  than  one  dollar, 
or  both  such  fine  and  imprisonment  in  the  discretion  of  the 
court;  provided,  lioweAmr,  nothing  herein  contained  shall  be 
held  to  remit  any  penalty  for  offenses  heretofore  committed. 

Liberties  with  Female  Child.  Sec.  4588a.  Any  male  person 
over  the  age  of  sixteen  years  ivho  shall  take  indecent  or  im- 
l)ropcr  I'berties  Avith  the  person  of  a female  under  the  age  of 
fourteen  years,  Avith  or  Avithout  her  consent,  Avithout  intending 
to  commit  rape  on  such  child,  shall  be  punished  by  imprison- 
ment in  the  state  prison  not  more  than  tAvo  years  nor  less  than 
one  ju'ar  or  by  inpirisonment  in  the  county  jail  not  more  than 
six  monlhs,  or  bj'  fine  not  exceeding  tAvo  hundred  dollars. 


Report  of  tpie  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


201 


Keeping"  house  of  illl  fame.  Sec.  4589.  Any  person  who 
sliall  keep  a house  of  ill  fame,  resorted  to  for  the  purpose  of 
prostitution  or  lewdness,  or  who  shall  set  up  or  keep  a common 
hawdyhouse  or  brothel,  or  who  shall  knowingly  lease  or  let 
to  another  any  house  or  other  building  or  any  room  in  any 
house  or  building  for  the  purpose  of  being  used  as  a house  of 
ill  fame,  hawdyhouse  or  brothel  or  knowing  that  it  will  be  so 
used,  shall  he  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  state  prison 
not  more  than  three  years  nor  less  than  one  year,  or  by  im- 
l)risonment  in  the  county  jail  not  more  than  one  year  nor  less 
tliaii  six  months,  and  wdien  imprisoned  in  the  county  jail  by  a 
fine  not  exceeding  five-hundred  dollars  nor  less  than  tAvo  hun- 
di'ed  dollars;  and,  in  either  case,  if  the  lessee  of  any  such  pre- 
mises shall  have  been  convicted  under  this  section  such  lease 
shall  be  void,  and  thereupon  the  lessor  shall  have  the  like  rem- 
edy to  recover  possession  of  such  premises  as  against  a tenant 
holding  OA^er  his  term.  Any  person  Avho  shall  resort  to,  fre- 
quent or  become  an. inmate  of  any  house  of  ill  fame,  common 
haAvdyhouse  or  brothel  shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in 
the  county  jail  not  exceeding  ninety  days  or  by  fine  of  not 
more  than  one  hundred  dollars  nor  less  than  ten  dollars,  or  by 
both  fine  and  imprisonment. 

Proceedings  on  complaint.  Sec.  4589a.  If  any  person  shall 
make  oath  before  any  officer  authorized  by  hiAv  to  issue  a crim- 
inal Avarrant  that  he  has  good  reason  to,  and  does,  believe  that 
any  house  or  other  building  is  Avilfidly  used  as  and  for  a house 
of  ill  fame  for  the  purpose  of  prostitution  and  that  persons 
resort  to  the  same  for  that  purpose,  such  officer,  Avhether  the 
names  of  such  per.sons  are  knoAvn  to  the  complainant  or  not, 
shall  issue  a Avarrant  commanding  the  sheriff,  his  deputy  or 
any  constable  to  enter  such  house  or  building  and  arrest  all 
persons  avIio  shall  there  be  found  under  circumstances  Avhich 
indicate  that  they  have  resorted  thereto  for  the  inirpose  of 
prostitution,  and  also  the  keeper  of  the  same,  and  take  into 
custody  and  keep  the  said  persons  and  bring  them  before  the 
said  officer  to  he  dealt  Avith  accoi’ding  to  laAv;  and  any  officer 
Avho  may  liaAm  such  Avarrant  shall  have  poAver,  if  necessary,  to 
break  open  doors  for  the  purpose  of  executing  the  same,  and 
may  summon  to  his  aid  the  poAver  of  the  county. 

Circulation  of  obscene  books,  etc. : search  v/arrani.  Sec.  4590. 
Any  lierson  Avho  shall  import,  j)rint,  publish,  sell  or  distribute 
or  give  aAvay  any  book  or  pamphlet,  ballad,  printed  paiier  or 
other  thing  containing  obscene  language,  i)rints,  pictures,  fig- 
ures or  descriptions  manifestly  tending  to  the  coriaiption  of  km 
morals  of  youth,  or  shall  introduce  into  any  family,  sdiool  or 


202 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


place  of  education,  or  shall  buy,  procure,  receive  or  have  in 
his  possession  any  such  book,  pamphlet,  ballad  or  printed 
paper  or  other  thing,  either  for  the  purpose  of  loan,  sale,  ex- 
hibition or  circulation  or  giving  away,  or  with  intent  to  intro- 
duce the  same  into  any  family,  school  or  place  of  education 
shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  not  more 
than  one  year  or  by  fine  not  exceeding  five  hundred  dollars; 
and  a search  warrant  may  be  issued  by  any  justice  of  the  peace, 
as  in  case  of  stolen  or  embezzled  property,  for  search  for  any 
such  obscene  literature,  matter  or  thing,  and  when  found  may 
be  used  in  evidence  and  then  destroyed  by  order  of  the  court 
in  which  any  case  arising  under  this  section  shall  be  tried. 

Any  person  who  shall,  in  a public  place  or  on  any  fence  or 
wall,  or  other  surface,  contiguous  to  the  public  street  or  high- 
way, or  on  the  floor,  or  ceiling,  or  on  the  inner  or  outer  wall, 
closet,  room,  passage,  hall,  or  any  part  of  any  hotel,  inn,  or  tav- 
ern, courthouse,  church,  school,  station  house,  depot  for  freight 
or  passengers,  capitol  or  other  buildings  devoted  or  open  to 
other  or  like  public  uses,  or  on  the  walls  of  any  outbuildings, 
or  other  structure  pertaining  thereto,  make  or  cause  to  be 
made  any  obscene  drawing,  or  picture,  or  obscene  or  indecent 
Avriting,  or  print,  liable  to  be  seen  by  others  passing,  or  coming 
near  the  same,  such  person  so  offending,  shall  in  CA'ery  such 
case,  be  guilty  of  a misdemeanor,  and,  on  conAuction  thereof, 
shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  not  to 
exceed  one  year  or  by  fine  not  exceeding  five  hundred  dollars. 

Any  person  or  persons,  avIio  shall  put  up,  in  any  public 
place,  any  indecent,  IcAvd  or  obscene  picture  or  character,  rep- 
resenting the  human  form  in  a nude  or  seminude  condition,  or 
shall  advertise  by  circulars  or  posters  any  indecent,  IcAvd  or  im- 
moral shoAv,  play  or  representation,  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of 
a misdemeanor,  and,  on  coiiAuction  thereof,  shall  be  fined  not 
less  than  tAventy-five  dollars,  nor  more  than  three  hundred  dol- 
lars; provided,  that  nothing  in  this  act  shall  be  construed  as 
to  interfere  Avith  purely  scientific  Avorks,  Avritten  on  the  sub- 
ject of  sexual  physiology  or  Avorks  of  art. 

Any  person  Avho  shall  sell,  lend,  gh^e  aAvay,  or  shoAv,  or  shall 
have  in  his  possession  Avith  intent  to  sell,  giA'e  aAvay,  or  shoAv, 
or  shall  advertise  or  otherAvise  oft’er  for  loan,  ghm  or  distribu- 
tion, any  book,  pamphlet,  magazine,  ncAvspaper,  or  other 
printed  paper  deAmted  principally  to  the  publication  of  crimi- 
nal ncAA’s,  police  reports,  or  accounts  of  criminal  deeds,  or  pic- 
tures and  stories  of  deeds  of  bloodshed,  lust  or  crime,  shall  be 
guilty  of  a misdemeanor,  and  upon  conAuction  thereof,  shall 
be  sentenced  to  pay  a fine  of  not  less  than  fifty  nor  more  than 
five  hundred  dollars. 


Keport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


203 


Sexual  and  Venereal  diseases;  treatment  of;  penalty.  Sec. 

4590n.  Any  person  who  shall  advertise  in  any  manner,  either 
in  his  own  name  or  under  the  name  of  another  person,  firm  or 
pretended  firm,  association,  corporation  or  pretended  corpora- 
tion, in  any  newspaper,  pamphlet,  circular  or  other  Avritten  or 
printed  paper,  the  treatment  and  curing  of  venereal  diseases, 
the  restoration  of  “lost  manhood”  or  who  shall  advertise  in 
any  manner  that  he  is  a specialist  in  diseases  of  the  sexual  or- 
gans or  diseases  caused  by  sexual  weakness,  self-abuse,  or  ex- 
cessive sexual  indulgence  or  in  any  diseases  of  a like  nature  or 
produced  by  like  causes,  or  avIio  shall  advertise  in  any  manner 
any  medicine,  drug,  compound  or  any  means  Avhatever  Avhere- 
by  sexual  and  venereal  diseases  of  men  and  Avomen  may  be 
cured  or  relieved  or  abortion  or  miscarriage  produced,  and  tlie 
owner,  publisher  or  manager  of  any  neAA^spaper  Avho  shall  pub- 
lish any  such  advertisement  or  permit  or  alloAv  any  such  ad- 
A'ertisement  to  be  inserted  and  published  in  any  neAvspaper 
OAvned  or  controlled  by  him  or  in  Avhich  he  has  an  interest,  and 
any  person,  firm  or  corporation  Avho  shall  sell,  offer  for  sale, 
keep  for  sale,  give  aAvay  or  othei’Avise  dispose  of  any  news- 
paper, pamphlet,  circular,  or  other  Avritten  or  printed  paper 
containing  any  such  adA^ertisement,  shall  be  guilty  of  a misde- 
meanor and  upon  conviction  thereof  shall  be  punished  by  a fine 
of  not  less  than  tAventy-five  nor  more  than  one  hundred  dollars. 

Sodomy.  Sec.  4591.  Any  person  avIio  shall  commit  sodomy, 
or  the  crime  against  nature,  Avith  mankind  or  beast  shall  be 
punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  state  prison  not  more  than 
five  years,  nor  less  than  one  year.  Said  crime  may  be  com- 
mitted by  the  penetration  of  the  mouth  of  any  human  being 
by  the  organ  of  any  male  person  as  Avell  as  by  the  penetration 
of  the  rectum;  proof  of  emission  shall  not  be  required. 

Improper  liberties.  Sec.  4591a.  Any  person  Avho  shall  in- 
decently assault  and  take  improper  liberties  Avith  the  prh-ates 
of  any  minor  by  the  use  of  the  hand  or  Avho  shall  voluntarily 
permit  the  use  of  his  OAvn  priA'ates  in  such  manner  by  any 
minor  shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail 
not  less  than  thirty  days  nor  more  than  six  months. 

Taking  and  detention  of  minors.  Sec.  4387a.  Any  person 
Avho  shall,  Avithout  laAvful  authority  and  for  anj^  immoral  or 
unlaAvful  purpose,  forcibly  take  or  carry  aAvay  and  remove, 
entice  or  inveigle  any  person  under  eighteen  years  of  age  from 
the  home  or  residence  of  such  person  or  from  the  care  and 
custody  of  his  parent  or  guardian,  or,  Avithout  such  authority, 
forcibly  detain  such  person  Avho  is  absent  from  his  home  or 


204 


Keport  of  tele  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


residence  or  the  custody  of  his  parent  or  guardian,  or  persuade 
or  entice  him  to  remain  absent  therefrom,  shall  be  punished 
by  fine  not  exceeding  five  thousand  dollars  and  by  imprison- 
ment in  the  state  prison  not  more  than  three  years  or  in  the 
county  jail  not  more  than  one  year.  It  shall  not  he  a defense 
to  any  prosecution  brought  under  this  section  that  such  per- 
son consented  to  such  removal  or  detention. 

Kidnapping  penalty;  consent  of  parent.  Sec.  4387m.  Any 

l~>erson  who  shall  take,  carry  away,  decoy,  entice  away,  or  se- 
crete a]iy  child  under  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  Avithout  the 
consent  of  the  parent,  guardian,  or  laAvful  custodian  of  said 
child,  Avith  the  intent  of  causing  anj^  relatiA'e  or  other  person  to 
l>ay  or  offer  to  pay  any  sum  as  ransom  or  reAvard  for  the  re- 
turn or  release  cf  such  child,  shall  he  deemed  guilty  of  a fel- 
ony and  upon  conviction  thereof  shall  be  puni.shed  by  im- 
])risonment  in  the  state  iirison  during  the  life  of  the  person  so 
convicted.  Upon  the  trail  thereof  the  consent  of  the  parent, 
guardian,  or  laAvful  custodian  of  such  child  shall  not  be  a de- 
fense unless  it  shall  be  made  satisfactorily  to  appear  that  such 
consent  Avas  not  obtained  by  fraud,  duress,  or  threats. 

Rape.  Sec.  4381.  Any  person  aaIio  shall  raAush  and  carnally 
knoAv  au}^  female  of  the  age  of  fourteen  years  or  more,  by  force 
and  against  her  Avill,  shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the 
state  prison  not  more  than  thirty  years  nor  less  than  ten  years ; 
hut  if  the  female  shall  he  proven  oh  the  trial  to  have  been,  at 
the  time  of  the  offense,  a common  prostitute,  he  shall  be  so  pun- 
ished not  more  than  seven  years  nor  less  than  one  year. 

Same.  Sec.  4382.  Any  person  avIio  shall  uulaAvfully  and  car- 
nally knoAv  and  abuse  any  female  under  the  age  of  fourteen 
years  shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  state  prison 
not  more  than  thirty-five  years  nor  less  than  five  years. 

Assault  intending  to  rape.  Sec.  4383.  Any  person  aa-Iio  shall 
assault  any  female  Avith  intent  to  commit  the  crime  of  rape 
shall  he  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  state  prison  not 
more  than  ten  years  nor  less  than  one  year. 

BaAvdyhouses  declared  nuisances.  Sec.  3185b.  Whoever 
shall  erect,  establish,  continue,  maintain,  use,  occupy,  or  lease 
any  , building  or  part  of  huildiug,  erection  or  pdace  to  be  used 
for  the  purpose  of  leAvdiiess,  assignation  or  prostitution,  or 
permit  the  same  to  be  used,  in  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  .shall  be 
guilty  of  a nuisance  and  the  building,  erection,  or  place,  in  or 
upon  Avhich  such  leAvdness,  assignation  or  pirostitution  is  con- 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee.  205 

ducted,  permitted,  carried  on,  continued  or  exists,  and  tlie  fur- 
niture, fixtures,  musical  instruments  and  contents  used  there- 
with for  the  same  purpose  are  declared  a nuisance,  and  shall 
be  enjoined  and  abated. 

Equitable  action  for  abatement.  Sec.  3185c.  Whenever  a 
nuisance,  as  defined  in  section  3185b  exists  in  any  county  the 
district  attorney  or  any  citizen  of  such  county  may  maintain 
an  equitable  action  in  the  circuit  court  in  the  name  of  the  state 
to  abate  the  same  and  to  perpetually  enjoin  and  restrain  every 
person  guilty  thereof  from  continuing,  maintaining  or  per- 
mitting such  nuisance.  Upon  a verified  complaint  accom- 
panied, when  required  by  the  court  or  presiding  judge,  by  affi- 
davits or  depositions  showing  satisfactorily  that  a nuisance  as 
defined  by  section  3185b  exists  in  such  county  and  naming  the 
persons  guilty  thereof,  and  upon  three  days’  notice  to  the  de- 
fendent  or  defendants  in  such  action,  a temporary  injunction 
may  be  granted,  subject  to  modification  or  dissolution,  restrain- 
ing the  defendant  or  defendants  until  the  conclusion  of  the 
trial  from  continuing,  maintaining  or  permitting  such  nui- 
sance. All  such  injunctions  issued  in  actions  begun  by  public 
officers  shall  be  issued  without  requiring  the  undertaking  spe- 
cified in  section  2778  of  the  statutes,  and  in  actions  instituted 
by  citizens  it  shall  be  discretionary  with  the  court  or  presid- 
ing judge  to  issue  them  with  or  without  such  undertaking. 

Evidence;  dismissal  of  action;  costs.  Sec.  3185d.  Inactions 
begun  under  section  3185c  the  existence  of  any  nuisance  de- 
fined by  section  3185b  shall  constitute  prima  facie  evidence 
that  the  oAvner  of  the  premises  affected  has  permitted  the  same 
to  be  used  as  a nuisance ; and  eAudence  of  the  general  reputa- 
tion of  the  place  shall  be  admissible  to  prove  the  existence  of 
such  nuisance.  If  the  complaint  is  filed  by  a citizen  it  shall  not 
be  dismissed,  except  upon  a SAvorn  statement  made  by  the  com- 
jilainant  and  his  attorney,  setting  forth  the  reasons  Avhy  the  ac- 
tion should  be  dismissed,  and  the  dismissal  shall  be  approved  by 
the  district  attoimey  of  the  county  in  Avriting  or  in  open  court. 
If  the  court  is  of  the  opinion  that  the  action  ought  not  to  be  dis- 
missed it  may  direct  the  district  attorney  of  the  county  to 
prosecute  said  action  to  judgment.  If  the  action  is  brought  by 
a citizen,  and  the  court  finds  that,  there  Avas  no  reasonable 
ground  or  cause  for  said  action  the  costs  shall  be  taxed  to  such 
citizen. 

Punishment  for  violation  of  injunction.  Sec.  3185e.  A 
party  found  guilty  of  contempt  foi'  the  Adolation  of  any  in- 
junction granted  under  the  provisions  of  sections  3185b  to 


206  IReport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 

3185h,  inclusive,  shall  be  punished  by  a fine  of  not  less  than 
two  hundred  nor  more  than  one  thousand  dollars  or  by  im- 
prisonment in  the  county  jail  not  less  than  three  nor  more  than 
six  months  or  by  both  such  fine  and  imprisonment. 

Judgment  and  execution;  sale  of  fixtures.  Sec.  3185f.  If 

the  existence  of  the  nuisance  be  established  in  an  action  under 
section  3185b,  or  in  a criminal  proceeding,  an  order  of  abate- 
ment shall  be  entered  as  a part  of  the  judgment  in  the  case, 
which  order  shall  direct  the  removal  from  the  building  or  place 
of  all  fixtures,  furniture,  musical  intruments,  or  movable  prop- 
erty used  in  conducting  the  nuisance,  and  shall  direct  the  sale 
thereof  in  the  manner  provided  for  the  sale  of  chattels  under 
execution,  and  the  effectual  closing  of  the  building  or  place 
against  its  use  for  any  purpose,  and  so  keeping  it  closed  for  a 
period  of  one  year,  unless  sooner  released.  If  any  person  shall 
break  and  enter  or  use  a building,  erection,  or  place  so  di- 
rected to  be  closed  he  shall  be  punished  as  for  contempt,  as 
provided  in  section  3185e. 

Application  of  proceeds  of  sale;  lis  pendens.  Sec.  3185g. 

The  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  such  personal  property,  shall  be 
applied  in  the  payment  of  the  costs  of  the  action  and  abate- 
ment and  the  balance,  if  any,  shall  be  paid  to  the  defendant. 
The  plaintiff  may  file  a notice  of  the  pendency  of  the  action  as 
in  actions  affecting  the  title  to  real  estate;  and  if  the  owner 
of  the  premises  affected  be  adjudged  guilty  of  the  nuisance, 
the  judgment  for  costs  shall  constitute  a lien  thereon  prior  to 
any  other  lien  created  after  the  filing  of  such  lis  pendens. 

Undertalring  to  release  building.  Sec.  31851i.  The  owner  of 
any  building  or  part  of  building  affected  by  an  action  under 
section  3185c  may  appear  at  any  time  after  the  commencement 
thereof  and  file  an  undertaking  in  such  sum  and  with  such 
sureties  as  shall  be  required  by  the  court  to  the  effect  that  he 
will  immediately  abate  the  alleged  nuisance,  if  it  exists,  and 
prevent  the  same  from  being  reestablished  in  the  building  or 
part  of  building  aforesaid  within  a period  of  one  year  there- 
after, and  will  pay  all  costs  that  may  be  awarded  against  him 
in  the  action.  Thereupon  the  court  shall  dismiss  the  action  as  to 
such  building  or  part  of  building  and  revoke  any  order  pre- 
viously made  closing  the  same ; but  such  dismissal  and  revoca- 
tion shall  not  release  the  property  from  any  judgment,  lien, 
penalty,  or  liability  to  which  it  may  be  subject  by  law. 

Presence  in  saloons  prohibited  penalty.  Sec.  1557n.  Every 
keeper  of  any  saloon,  shop,  or  place  of  any  nature  or  character 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


207 


whatsoever  for  the  sale  of  any  strong,  spiritous,  malt,  ar- 
dent, or  intoxicating  liquor,  who  shall  either  directly  or  in- 
directly sutfer  or  permit  any  person  of  either  sex  under  the 
age  of  twenty-one  years,  unaccompanied  by  his  or  her  parent 
or  guardian,  or  suffer  or  permit  any  person  to  whom  the  sale 
of  any  ardent,  spiritous  or  intoxicating  liquors  or  drinks  has 
been  forbidden  in  the  manner  provided  by  law,  who  is  not  a 
resident,  employe,  or  a bona  fide  lodger  or  boarder  on  the  pre- 
mises of  such  licensed  person,  to  linger  or  loiter  in  or  about 
any  barroom  or  other  room  on  such  premises  in  which  intoxi- 
cating liquor  is  sold  or  dispensed,  shall  for  every  such  offense 
be  liable  to  a penalty  not  exceeding  fifty  dollars,  besides  costs, 
or  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  not  exceeding  sixty  days; 
and  any  such  person  so  lingering  or  loitering,  as  aforesaid,  who 
is  not  a resident,  employe,  or  a bona  fide  lodger  or  boarder 
on  the  premises,  or  who  is  not  accompanied  by  his  or  her  par- 
ent or  guardian,  shall  also  be  liable  to  a penalty  of  not  more 
than  twenty  dollars,  besides  costs,  or  imprisonment  not  ex- 
ceeding thirty  days  in  the  county  jail. 

Girls  at  dance.  Sec.  1557a.  Any  keeper  of  any  saloon,  shop 
or  place  of  any  name  whatsoever  for  the  sale  of  any  strong, 
spiritous  or  malt  liquors  to  be  drank  on  the  premises  in  any 
quantity  less  than  one  gallon  who  shall  permit  or  allow  any 
girl  or  young  woman,  under  the  age  of  seventeen  years,  un- 
accompanied bj''  her  father  or  mother,  to  be  present  at  or  par- 
ticipate in  any  ball  or  dance  held  in  such  saloon,  shop  or  place, 
or  in  the  same  or  an  adjoining  building,  shop  or  place,  or  in 
any  place  where  liquors  are  sold  or  dispensed,  or  any  place 
adjoining  the  same,  under  his  license,  or  who  shall  permit  or 
allow  any  such  girl  or  young  Avoman  to  linger  in  or  frequent 
such  saloon,  shop  or  place,  shall  be  punished  by  a fine  of  not 
less  than  fifty  dollars  nor  more  than  one  hundred  dollars,  or 
by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  not  to  exceed  six  months, 
or  by  both  such  fine  and  imprisonment.  And  upon  convic- 
tion his  license  shall  be  revoked  as  is  provided  in  section  1558 
of  the  said  statutes,  and  proof  of  such  conviction  shall  be  con- 
clusive proof  that  such  keeper  maintains  a disorderly  and  im- 
proper house  as  such  terms  are  used  in  said  section  1558. 


Duties  op  Officers.  , ' ' ' 

Removal  of  County  officers.  Sec.  968.  The  governor  may 
remove  from  office  any  sheriff,  coroner,  * * * or  district 

attorney,  giving  to  such  officer  a copy  of  the  charges  against 
him  ancl  an  opportunity  of  being  heard  in  his  defense; 
* ^ ^ 

County  Officers,  how  appointed.  Sec.  967.  Whenever  there 
shall  be  a vacancy  in  either  of  the  offices  of  sheriff,  coroner, 


208 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


* Qp  district  attorney  the  governor  may  appoint  a 
suitable  person  to  such  office  until  another  shall  he  elected  and 
qualified.  * '* 

To  keep  the  peace.  Sec.  727,  Sherififs  and  their  undensher- 
itt's  and  deputies  shall  keeii  and  preserve  the  peace  in  their 
respective  counties,  and  quiet  and  supiiress  all  affrays,  routs, 
riots,  unlawful  assemblies  and  insurrections;  for  which  pur- 
pose, and  for  the  service  of  processes  in  civil  or  criminal  cases 
and  in  the  apprehending  or  securing  any  person  for  felony  or 
breach  of  the  peace  they  and  every  coronor  and  constable  may 
call  to  their  aid  such  persons  or  power  of  their  count}'  as  they 
may  deem  necessary. 

Excise  laws;  enforcement  by  local  officers;  penalty.  Sec. 
1553.  Every  sheriff,  undersherift'  and  deputy  sheriff',  police  offi- 
cer, marshal,  dejnity  marshal  or  constable  of  any  town,  village 
or  city  who  shall  know  or  be  credibly  informed  that  any  oft'ense 
has  been  committed  against  the  provisions  of  any  law  of  this 
state  relating  1o  excise  or  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  shall 
make  a complaint  against  the  person  so  offending  within  their 
respective  toAvns,  villages  or  cities  to  a proper  justice  of  the 
peace  therein,  and  for  every  neglect  or  refusal  so  to  do,  every 
such  officer  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a misdemeanor  and  shall 
he  punished  by  a fine  not  exceeding  fifty  dollars  and  the  costs 
of  prosecution. 

Duties  of  District  Attorney.  Sec.  752  (2).  It  shall  be  the 
duty  of  the  district  at-torney : * * 

(2)  To  prosecute  all  criminal  actions. 

(3)  To  give  advice  to  the  ""  * and  other  officers  of 

his  county,  when  requested,  in  all  matters  in  which  the  county 
or  state  is  interested  or  relating  to  the  discharge  of  the  official 
duties  of  such  board  or  officers;  * "" 

Mayors,  cities  of  2nd,  3rd  and  4th  class.  Sec.  925 — 38. 
«=  =:;=  mayor  shall  be  the  chief  executive  officer  and 

head  of  the  fire  and  of  the  police  departments;  he  shall  take 
care  that  the  laws  of  the  state  and  the  ordinances  of  the  city 
are  observed  and  enforced  and  that  all  officers  of  the  city  dis- 
charge their  respective  duties.  * * * 

Sec.  859 — 40.  The  Mayor  shall  appoint  the  members  of  the 
Fire  and  Police  Commission. 

Sec.  £59 — 41.  The  chief  of  police  and  * * shall  be 

appointed  by  board  of  police  and  fire  commissioners,  and 


Report  of  tpie  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


209 


110  iiersoii  shall  ho  appointed  to  any  position  eitlier  on  the 
liolice  force  or  in  the  fire  department  ivithont  the  approval  of 
said  board.  * * 

Police.  The  ordinances  of  nearly  all  cities  in  substance  pro- 
vide that  the  Chief  of  iiolice  and  all  piolicemen  shall  cause  the 
iniblic  peace  to  he  kept  and  shall  see  that  all  laws  and  ordi- 
nances of  the  City  are  enforced;  and  it  is  their  duty  to  arrest 
all  persons  seen  by  them,  violating  any  law  or  ordinance. 


STATTSTK^S  FROM  POLICE  RECORDS  OF  MILWAUKEE. 


Below  are  given  statistics  from  the  police  records  of  Mil- 
waukee, comjiiled  during  a period  wdien  that  city  had  a seg- 
regated district.  They  are  valuable  as  showing  certain  facts 
about  “madams”  or  keepers,  about  houses  of  ill  fame,  and 
about  the  inmates  of  such  houses. 

It  should  be  remarked  that  Mihvankee,  since  the  date  of 
these  statistics,  has  done  away  with  the  segregated  district. 


TABLES  prom  POIJCE  RECORD  OP  MILWAUKEE  UNDER  SEGREGATED 
DISTRICT,  DATED  MARCH  21,  1911. 

TABLES  OP  KEEPERS  OR  “MADAMS.” 

Age  of  Madams. 


No.  of  keepers  or  “madams''  under  ago  of  23 0 

“ “ at  age  of  23 2 

“ “ “ “ 24 2 

“ “ “ “ 25 5 

“ “ “ “ 26 2 

“ “ “ “ 27 1 

“ “ “ “ 28 5 

“ “ “ “ 29 7 

“ “ “ “ 30 2 

“ “ “ “ 31 2 

“ “ “ “ 32 4 

“ “ ‘ “ 33 3 

“ “ “ “ 34 2 

“ “ " “ 35 1 

“ “ “ “ 36 3 

“ “ “ “ 37 2 

“ “ “ “ 38.. 4 

“ ■■  “ “ 39 4 

“ “ “ “ 40 9 

“ “ “ between  ages  of  40  and  50 6 

“ “ “ “ 50  and  60 3 

“ “ “ age  not  given 2 

Total  74 

Average  age  of  keepers  or  “madams’’ 34.2  years 


14-V.  C. 


210 


iiEPORt  OF  iHE  WlSCONSllSr  ViCE  CoMMITTEE. 


LENGTH  OP  TIME  “MADAMS”  HAVE  CONDUCTED  HOUSES  OF  PROSTITUTION. 


No 


of  keepers  or  “madam.s”  who  have  been 


n business  for  less  than  1 year  (2  mos.) 

1 year  

2 years  


1 
1 
2 
7 
6 
15 
7 
11 
3 
3 
10 

a 

length  of  time  in  business  not  given 2 

Total  74 

Average  length  of  time  in  business 7.7  years 


3 

4 “ 

6 “ 

6 “ 

7 “ 

8 “ 

9 “ 

10  to  15  years. 
15  to  20 


The  Madams,  according  to  the  data  given  above,  were  of 
every  age  from  twenty  to  forty,  and  nine  ivere  over  forty. 
There  is  less  irregularity  in  the  number  of  years  which  madams 
have  been  in  business.  Of  seventy-four  cases,  it  seems  that 
thirty-three,  or  45.2  per  cent,  had  been  in  business  over  five 
and  less  than  eight  years,  and  six  had  been  in  business  between 
fifteen  and  twenty  years.  The  length  of  time  in  business  does 
not  necessarily  mean  the  length  of  time  in  business  in  the  city 
of  Milwaukee.  Many  had  conducted  similar  enterprises  in 
other  cities.  The  amount  of  damage  done  to  the  community  by 
such  enterprises  as  these  during  the  periods  of  time  repre- 
sented above,  the  amount  of  disease  caused  and  the  thousands 
of  dollars  squandered,  can  only  be  estimated.  There  are  no 
statistics  available  to  show  such  facts  accurately. 

TABLES  OP  HOUSES. 


Total  number  of  houses,  including  separate  flats 104 

Total  number  of  prostitutes  in  these  houses 405 

No.  of  Prostitutes  in  Houses. 

No.  of  houses  having  1 prostitute 15 

“ “ 2 prostitutes  15 

“ “ 3 “ 18 

“ 4 “ 18 

“ “ 6 “ 19 

“ 6 “ 11 

« « 7 ‘<  2 

“ “ 8 “ i 

••  " 9 “ 3 

“ “ 10  to  15  prostitutes 0 

“ “ over  15  prostitutes  (16) 1 

Average  number  of  prostitutes  in  each  house 4 


The  smaller  house  of  prostitution  is  seen  to  predominate. 
Of  104  houses,  85,  or  81.2  per  cent,  had  from  one  to  five  in- 
mates, the  average  number  of  prostitutes  in  houses  being  four. 
The  discrepancy  between  the  number  of  keepers  or  “madams,” 


I 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee.  211 

as  given  in  the  table  above,  is  explained  by  the  fact  that  there 
are  a number  of  prostitutes  carrying  on  their  Inisiness  in  flats 
independently,  without  “madams”,  or  keepers. 

TABLE  OF  INMATES. 

Age  of  Inmates. 


No.  of  prostitutes  under  age  of  21  (20) 1 

“ “ at  age  of  21 30 

“ “ “ 22 58 

“ “ “ 23., 75 

“ “ “ 24 51 

“ “ “ 25 37 

“ “ “ 26 30 

“ “ “ 27 14 

“ “ “ 28 28 

“ “ “ 29 16 

“ “ “ 30 24 

“ “ “ 30  to  35 24 

“ “ “ 35  to  40 10 

“ “ over  age  of  40  (to  42) 3 

“ “ age  not  given  4 

Total  405 

Average  age  of  prostitution 25.5  years 


LENGTH  OF  TIME  A PROSTITUTE. 


No.  of  prostitutes  who  have  practiced  prostitution  less  than  1 month  (3  weeks) 1 

“ “ “ “ 1 month  3 

“ “ “ “ 2 “ 2 

(<  n <<  g . 2 

“ “ “ * “ 4 , 8 

*<  ((  «4  4(  g <<  g 

“ “ “ 6 “ to  i year 3 

“ “•  “ “ 1 year  86 

“ “ “ “ V/z  years  5 

“ 2 “ 70 

21/^  “ 3 

“ “ « « 3 “ 58 

<<  a <<  <<  4 “ 47 

t<  it  <4  44  C <4  97 

“ “ “ 6 “ 16 
44  4<  44  44  tt  

“ “ “ 8 “ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  s 

“ » “ “ 9 “ 10 

“ “ “ “ 10  ‘‘  6 

<«  “ “ “ 10  to  15  years 7 

over  15  years 4 

“ “ length  of  time  as  prostitutes  not  given 4 


Total  405 

Average  length  of  time  in  prostitution 3.3  years 


The  above  table  show^  that  in  the  104  houses  there  were 
405  inmates.  It  is  a significant  fact  that  of  the  405  inmates, 
184,  or  45.5  per  cent,  were  over  twenty-two  years  and  under 
twenty-five  years  of  age.  The  largest  number  at  any  one  age 
were  twenty-three  years  of  age,  there  being  75  at  this  age. 
The  average  age  was  25.5  years. 

Of  the  405  inmates,  275,  or  67.9  per  cent,  had  been  profes- 


^12 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


sioiial  prostitutes  or  inmates  more  tliau  one  year  and  less  than 
live  years.  The  student  of  social  problems  may  well  ask  what 
becomes  of  the  large  number  of  iirostitutes  Avho  leave  the  busi- 
ness after  having  engaged  in  it  for  four  or  five  years.  The 
probabilities  are  that  a considerable  number  succumb  to  dis- 
ease, while  others,  leave  the  business  to  engage  in  some  legiti- 
mate work,  a few  marry,  and  others  return  to  their  homes. 
The  death  rate  among  prostitutes  is  very  high.  There  is  some 
discussion  of  this  point,  in  this  section,  under  the.  paragraph 
on  “Occasional  Prostitutes.”  It  is  a notable  fact  that  the 
number  engaged  in  prostitution  varies  inversely  as  their  length 
of  time  in  the  business. 


LAWS  RECOMMENDED. 

A Morals  Court. 

The  committee  recommends  the  establishment  of  a Morals 
Court  for  cities  of  the  first  class.  This  court  should  be  con- 
ducted along  lines  similar  to  jiivenile  court  proceedings  and  its 
purpose  should  be  the  investigation  of  the  moral  welfare  of 
persons  brought  before  it  and  the  ascertainment  of  the  causes 
for  such  delinquency.  Testimony  has  been  presented  before 
this  committee  to  the  effect  that  cases  of  this  class  are  now  be- 
ing disposed  of  before  the  district  court  in  a very  few  minutes, 
the  average  time  according  to  testimony  being  two  and  one 
half  minutes  for  each  case.  This,  of  course,  covers  all  classes 
of  cases.  The  great  number  of  cases  being  brought  before  the 
court  at  the  present  time  renders  it  impossible  for  the  judge 
adeipiately  to  ascertain  the  causes  of  delinquency  in  such  cases. 
As  sucih  a law  would  apply  solely  to  ^Milwaukee,  the  committee 
l)elieves  a bill  should  be  drawn  to  fit  Milwaukee  conditions, 
and  therefore  does  not  present  a bill  on  that  subject. 

The  Mann  Act  as  Applied  to  Municipalities. 

At  many  of  the  hearings  of  the  committee  it  was  suggested  that 
a state  law,  similar  to  the  federal  iMann  Act,  which  prohibits  the 
transportation  of  a female  from  one  state  to  another,  for  immoral 
purposes,  should  be  passed,  such  law  to  be  made  applicable  be- 


Kepobt  of  the  V7isconsin  Vice  Committee. 


213 


tween  luuiiicipalities  within  the  state.  Such  a law  is  recoin- 
inended  by  this  committee. 

! » ' - 

A BILL 

To  prohibit  the  transportation  of  women  or  girls  for  immoral 
purposes,  within  the  state. 

iTlie  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate  and 
Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

Section  1.  There  is  added  to  the  statutes  a new  section  to 
read : 

Section  4589a.  Any  person  wlio  shall  knowingly  transp  rt, 
or  cause  to  be  transi)orted,  or  aid  or  assist  in  obtaining  trans- 
portation for,  or  in  transporting,  or  taking  in  any  manner  or  by 
any  means  from  one  town,  village,  or  city  within  this  sta':e  to 
another  town,  city,  or  village  within  this  state,  any  -woman  or 
girl,  for  the  purpose  of  prostitution  or  debaiicherr,  or  for  any 
other  immoral  purpose,  or  Avith  the  intent  or  purpose  to  induce, 
entice,  or  compel  such  Avoman  or  girl  to  become  a prostitute,  or 
to  give  herself  up  to  debauchery,  or  to  engage  in  any  other  im- 
moral practice ; or  avIio  shall  knoAvingly  procure  or  obtain  or 
cause  to  be  i)rocured  or  obtained,  or  aid  or  assist  in  procuring 
any  ticket  or  tickets  or  any  other  form  or  means  of  transporta- 
tion or  evidence  of  the  right  thereto,  to  be  used  by  any  Avonian 
or  girl  Avithin  this  state  in  going  to  any  place  Avithin  this  state 
for  the  purpose  of  pj'ostitution  or  debauchery,  or  for  any  other 
immoral  purpose,  oi'  Avith  intent  oi'  purpose  on  the  part  of  such 
person  to  induce,  entice,  or  compel  her  to  giAm  herself  up  to  de- 
bauchery, or  any  other  immoral  practice,  Avhereby  any  sudi 
woman  or  girl  shall  be  taken,  carried  or  transported  to  or  from 
or  betAveen  any  toAcn,  Aullage  or  city  Avithin  this  state  and  any 
other  town,  city  or  village,  or  Avho  shall  knoAvingly  cause  or 
assist  in  causing  such  Avonian  or  girl,  Avhether  Avith  or  Avithout 
her  consent,  to  come,  to  go,  or  to  be  carried  or  taken  or  trans- 
ported as  a passenger  upon  the  line  or  route  of  any  common 
carrier  or  any  other  means  of  coiiAmyance,  transportation,  lo- 
comotion, or  travel  for  such  purposes  shall  be  deemed  guilty 
of  felony,  and  upon  coiiAuction  thereof,  shall  be  punished  by  a 
fine  of  not  more  than  fiAm  thousand  dollars,  or  by  imprisonment 
in  the  state  prison  for  a term  not  exceeding  five  years,  or  by 
both  such  fine  and  impi'isonment  in  the  discretion  of  the  conrt. 

Section  2,  Any  female  referred  to  in  this  act  shall  be  a com- 
petent Avitness  in  any  prosecution  thereunder,  to  testify  to  any 
and  all  matters,  including  conversations  Avith  the  accAxsed,  or 
by  him  Avith  third  persons  in  her  presence,  notAvithstanding  her 
marriage  to  the  accused  either  before  or  after  the  violation 


214 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


of  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  act,  whether  called  as  a wiincss 
during  the  existence  of  the  marriage,  or  after  its  dissolution, 
but  no  conviction  shall  be  had  for  such  offense  on  the  testimony 
of  the  female  so  transported,  unsupported  by  other  evidence. 

Police  Women. 

Nearly  every  witness  who  testified  before  the  committee,  fa- 
vored the  appointment  of  one  or  more  women  on  the  police  force 
in  the  various  cities  of  the  state,  who  primarily  should  be  as- 
signed the  duty  of  looking  after  the  welfare  of  women  and  chil- 
dren on  the  streets,  at  dance  halls,  picture  shows,  parks,  etc. 
The  following  amendment  is  suggested  and  adds  but  a few  words 
to  the  present  law. 

A BILL 

To  amend  sections  925 — 22  and  925 — 23  of  the  statutes,  relating 
to  police  women. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate  and 
Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

Section  1.  Section  925 — 22  of  the  statutes  is  amended  by  in- 
serting in  line  seven,  after  the  Avord  “policemen”,  the  Avords 
“a  part  of  Avhich  number  shall  be  Avomen,  Avho  shall  have  the 
care  and  protection  of  Avomen  and  children.” 

Section  2.  Section  925 — 23  of  the  statutes  is  amended  by  in- 
serting in  line  six,  after  the  Avord  “policemen”  the  Avords  “in 
cities  of  the  second  and  third  classes  one  or  more  of  Avhom 
shall  be  Avomen  and  AAdio  shall  haA'e  the  care  and  protection  of 
Avomen  and  children.” 

A Permanent  State  Police  Dejpartment. 

It  has  been  stated  by  nearly  every  official  and  social  Avorker 
testifying  before  this  committee,  that  the  enforcement  of  the 
moral  Iravs  and  other  Iraa's  regulating  practices  Avhich  tend  to  im- 
morality cannot  be  secured  through  officers  Avho  are  controlled 
by  local  influence,  and  that  the  enforcement  of  such  Iravs  can  be 
secured  only  through  central  officers  Avho  are  not  influenced  by 
local  sentiment.  The  above  statements  are  borne  out  by  the  re- 
ports and  recommendations  of  other  vice  commissions  AA'hich  Iira'C 
iiiA'estigated  this  subject.  Eighteen  states  noAv  have  such  a Irav. 
at  least  in  principle. 

In  order  to  reduce  to  a minimum  the  expense  of  maintaining 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


215 


such  a department,  the  committee  in  the  following  proposed  l)ill 
provides  that  the  board  of  managers  shall  consist  in  part  of  three 
of  the  state  officials  now  provided  for  by  law,  and  that  the  mem- 
bers of  the  board  of  managers  of  such  department  shall  receive 
no  compensation  other  than  the  actual  expenses  incurred  in  the 
performance  of  their  duties. 


A BILL 

To  provide  for  the  establishment  and  maintenance  of  a state 
police  department. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate 
and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

Section  1.  There  is  created  a state  police  department,  which 
shall  be  under  the  management  of  a board  of  five  members,  two 
of  Avhom  shall  be  Avomen.  The  Chairman  of  the  Industrial 
Commission,  the  Attorney-General,  the  Secretary  of  the  State 
Board  of  Health,  and  tAvo  Avomen  to  be  appointed  by  the  chief 
justice  of  the  supreme  court  shall  constitute  the  board  of  state 
police.  The  said  Avomen  shall  be  so  appointed  Avithin  thirty 
days  after  the  passage  and  publication  of  this  act.  One  Avoman 
shall  be  appointed  Avhose  term  of  office  shall  expire  on  the  first 
IMonday  of  July,  1917 ; another  Avhose  term  of  office  shall  ex- 
pire on  the  first  Monday  of  July,  1918.  Thereafter  a member 
shall  be  appointed  on  the  first  Monday  of  June  in  the  year  of 
the  expiration  of  such  term,  for  a term  of  three  years.  Ap- 
pointments to  fill  vacancies  shall  be  for  the  unexpired  term. 

Section  2.  At  its  first  meeting,  AAdiich  shall  be  held  at  the 
Capitol  at  Madison,  said  board  shall  organize  by  the  selection 
from  its  number,  of  a president  Avho  shall,  when  present,  pre- 
side at  all  meetings  of  the  board;  and  shall  elect  a clerk,  AAdiose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  keep  a record  of  all  proceedings  of  the 
board  and  to  transmit  to  parties  entitled  to  receive  the  same, 
the  orders  and  conclusions  of  said  board.  At  said  meeting 
or  as  soon  thereafter  as  practicable,  and  triennially  there- 
after, the  said  board  shall  elect,  by  a majority  vote  of  the  mem- 
bers thereof,  a superintendent  of  said  department.  Upon  the 
recommendation  of  said  superintendent,  said  board  shall  ap- 
point at  least  five  persons  as  policemen  or  detectives,  and 
in  its  discretion,  as  necessity  requires,  may,  upon  the  recom- 
mendation of  said  department,  appoint  not  more  than  ten 
men  Avho  shall  be  knoAvn  as  state  policemen.  At  least  one- 
fifth  of  such  police  officers  shall  be  Avomen.  Said  superin- 
tendent unless  removed  for  cause,  shall  hold  office  for  a 
term  of  three  jmars  from  the  date  of  his  appointment,  and  said 


216 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


state  policemen  shall  hold  office  during  the  pleasure  of  the 
board,  provided  the  superintendent  of  said  department  shall 
have  the  poAver  to  discharge  any  such  policemen  in  excess  of 
five,  if,  in  his  judgment,  the  efficiency  or  needs  of  the  depart- 
ment shall  so  require.  Said  board  shall  have  poAver,  by  a ma- 
jority vote,  upon  cause  shoAvn  and  after  due  notice  and  hear- 
ing, to  suspend  or  remove  from  office  the  superintendent  and 
make  other  appointments  in  his  stead.  Said  board  may  fill  any 
vacancy  occurring  among  its  appointees  as  it  may  deem  Avise 
and  shall  have  the  poAver  to  prescribe  rules  and  regulations 
for  the  proper  gOAmrnment,  discipline  and  efficiency  of  said  de- 
])artment,  to  define  the  duty  of  the  superintendent,  as  imposed 
by  this  act,  to  administer  oaths:  summon  Avitnesses;  and  to 
compel  their  attendance,  in  the  manner  provided  by  laAv  for 
the  attendance  of  Avitnesses  at  court. 

Section  3.  The  general  office  of  said  police  department  shall 
he  in  the  city  of  Madison  and  the  superintendent  of  public 
property  is  hereby  authorized  and  directed  to  furnish  suitable 
rooms  for  the  purposes  of  said  department,  properly  equiirped, 
and,  upon  recpiest  of  the  superintendent,  from  time  to  time,  to 
supply  the  same  Avith  necessary  books,  stationery  and  appli- 
ances as  the  reasonable  needs  of  said  department  shall  require, 
at  the  expense  of  the  state.  The  superintendent  of  said  depart- 
ment shall  have  poAver  to  administer  oaths,  and  may  engage, 
subject  to  the  approval  of  said  board,  office  assistants  and  cleri- 
cal help,  to  be  paid  by  the  state,  at  a cost  of  not  exceeding  tAvo 
thousand  dollars  ])er  annum. 

Section  4.  Said  department,  Avhen  reque.sted  by  the  gov- 
ernor or  any  sheriff,  district  attorney,  coroner,  or  chief  cf  po- 
lice of  any  city,  or  any  other  legally  appointed  pres  ‘cuting  offi- 
cer or  upon  the  petition  of  any  five  citizens,  of  the  state,  shall 
AvheneAU'r  practicable  and  in  all  reasonable  Avays.  assist  in  the 
iiiAmstigation,  detection  and  prosecution  of  all  criminal  matters 
Avithin  the  jurisdiction  of  the  officer  or  person  making  such  re- 
([uest,  and  the  superintendent  of  said  department  and  any  state 
policeman  shall  have  and  may  exercise  in  any  })art  of  the  state 
the  same  poAver,  Avith  respect  to  all  criminal  matters,  as  sheriffs, 
jAolice  and  constables  are  noAv  required  to  exercise  in  their  re- 
si)ectiAm  jurisdictions.  Said  department  shall  also  render  as- 
sistance, Avhen  requested,  if  practicable,  to  any  sheriff',  district 
attorney  or  chief  of  police  in  any  part  of  the  state.  WheneA'er 
said  state  policemen  shall  not  be  engaged  in  any  specific  AA'ork, 
as  proAuded  for  in  this  section,  they  shall,  under  such  rules  and 
I'egulatious  as  may  be  made  by  said  board,  and  under  the  direc- 
tion of  said  superintendent,  use  their  best  efforts  to  preA'ent 
crime,  pu'eserA^e  the  peace  of  the  state,  and  secure  the  detection, 
ai'rest  and  comnetion  of  criminals. 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


217 


Section  5.  Any  nieni])er  of  said  state  police  department  may 
request  ariy  sheriff  or  deputy  sheriff  or  district  attorney  in  any 
county,  any  })oliceman  of  any  city,  or  any  constable  of  any 
town,  to  assist  in  tlie  investigation,  detection,  and  prosecution  of 
criminal  offenses  within  his  .jurisdiction,  and  such  officer  shall, 
when  so  requested,  render  all  reasonable  assistance,  and  shall 
he  paid  as  hereinafter  iirovided.  Any  sheriff'  or  constable 
may,  and  any  deputy  sheriff'  or  policemen,  with  the  consent  of 
the  authority  to  which  he  is  subject,  shall,  go  to  any  part  of 
the  state  when  required  by  the  superintendent  of  the  state  po- 
lice, and  while  acting  under  the  authority  of  said  superintend- 
ent, shall  have  all  powers  conferred  upon  state  policemen 
under  the  provisions  of  this  act. 

Section  6.  The  salary  of  the  superintendent  of  state  police 
shall  be  twenty-five  hundred  dollars,  and  the  compensation  of 
each  state  policeman  shall  be  fixed  by  the  board  at  a rate  not  to 
exceed  four  dollars  per  day.  The  said  officers  shall  be  reim- 
bursed for  all  exjienses  while  in  the  performance  of  official  duty 
and  shall  render  to  the  superintendent  an  itemized  account  of 
such  expenses.  Said  salaries  and  expenses  shall  be  paid  by  the 
state  monthly  as  is  provided  by  law  for  other  officers  of  the 
state. 

Section  7.  Each  officer  and  policeman  of  said  state  police 
department  shall,  before  entering  upon  his  duties,  be  sworn  to 
a faithful  performance  thereof,  and  shall  give  to  the  state  and 
file  with  the  treasurer  thereof  a bond,  with  sureties,  approved 
by  the  board  of  managers  of  said  department,  as  follows: 
the  bond  of  the  superintendent  of  state  police  shall  be  ten 
thousand  dollars;  the  bond  of  each  state  imlice  shall  be  fixed 
by  the  board.  Said  board  may  require  a renewal  of  any  bond 
whenever  they  may  deem  ])roper.  Unless  the  oath  of  office  be 
taken  and  a bond  filed  within  ten  days  after  an  appointment, 
said  appointment  shall  be  void  and  the  board  shall,  as  herein- 
Ix'fore  })rovided,  fill  the  vacancy  so  caused. 

Section  8.  Any  state  ])olice  officer,  aiipointed  as  provided  in 
section  two  of  this  act,  who  directly  or  indirectly  receives  a 
reward,  gift,  or  gratuity  on  account  of  his  official  services,  ex- 
cept as  approved  by  the  board,  or  to  infiuence  his  behavior  in 
office,  shall,  upon  conviction  thereof,  be  punished  by  a fine  of  not 
less  than  one  hundred  nor  more  than  five  hundred  dollars,  or  by 
imprisonment  for  not  more  than  one  year,  or  by  both  such  fine 
and  imprisonment,  and  shall  be  dishonorably  discharged  from 
said  department. 

Section  9.  The  superintendent  of  state  police  shall  render  a 
report  to  the  said  board  of  state  police  giving  in  detail  the  work 
of  the  department  under  its  control  whenever  required.  Said 
board  shall,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  December  in  each 
year,  file  with  the  governor  a report  setting  forth  in  detail  the 


218  Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  CommitteI:. 

work  of  the  state  police  department  for  tlie  year  ending  the 
thirtieth  day  of  June  next  preceding.  Said  report  shall  be 
printed  by  the  secretary  of  state  at  the  expense  of  the  state 
and  shall  be  distributed  in  such  manner  and  form  as  the  board 
may  determine. 

Section  10.  Whenever,  pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  this  act, 
any  state  policeman  or  officer  shall  appear  as  a witness  in  any 
case,  the  court  before  which  the  case  is  tried  shall  tax  such 
sum  to  be  paid  as  costs  as,  in  its  judgment,  may  seem  reason- 
able for  time  and  expense,  and  said  iioliceman  shall  duly  re- 
ceipt for  all  sums  so  received  and  immediately  pay  them  over 
to  the  superintendent  of  state  police.  Whenever  any  sheritf, 
deputy  sheriff,  policeman,  or  constable  shall  perform  any 
service  under  the  direction  of  the  superintendent  of  state  pol- 
ice, or  at  the  recpiest  of  any  member  of  said  department,  he 
shall  receive  therefor  such  sum  as  may  be  agreed  upon,  not 
exceeding  four  dollars  per  day  and  expenses,  to  be  paid  by 
the  state  as  other"  bills  are  paid,  and  whenever  such  sheriff, 
deputy  sheriff,  policeman,  or  constable  shall  be  required  as  a 
witness,  the  court  before  Avhich  the  ease  is  tried  shall  tax  such 
sum  to  be  paid  as  costs  as,  in  its  judgment,  may  seem  reason- 
able for  the  services  so  rendered,  and  such  officer  shall  duly 
receipt  for  all  sums  so  received  and  immediately  pay  them 
over  to  the  suiierintendent  of  state  police.  Said  superinten- 
dent shall  render  a monthly  account  to  the  secretary  of  state 
of  all  sums  received  by  him  under  the  provisions  of  this  act 
and  pay  the  same  to  the  treasurer  of  the  state. 

Section  11.  The  superintendent  of  state  police  shall,  with 
the  direction  and  advice  of  the  board,  have  immediate  and  di- 
rect charge  of  said  state  police  department,  and  may  suspend 
for  cause  any  officer  under  his  control  pending  a hearing  and 
decision  by  the  board,  lie  shall  keep  an  accurate  account  of 
all  receipts  and  disbursements  of  said  department  and  sub- 
mit his  books  to  the  secretary  of  state  for  inspection,  Avhenever 
required,  lie  shall  also  file  and  index  in  his  office  all  written 
complaints  and  a statement  of  the  action  taken  thereon. 

Section  12.  During  the  absence  or  disability  of  the  superin- 
tendent of  state  police,  the  board  may  make  a temporary  ap- 
pointment from  the  state  iiolice  to  perform  the  duties  of  the 
superintendent. 

Section  13.  The  fines  and  forfeited  bonds  in  all  eases  in 
Avhich  any  evidence  has  been  furnished  by  said  state  police  de- 
liai'tment  or  any  officer  thereof  before  any  justice  of  the  peace 
or  before  any  court  of  this  state  shall  be  paid  to  the  state,  and 
it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  superintendent  of  police  to  render 
each  month  an  account  of  the  same  to  the  secretary  of  state. 

Section  11.  Said  superintendent  may  be  required  to  investi- 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


2i9 


gate  and  rei)ort  to  law  enforcing  officers  and  to  said  board 
facts  relating  to  any  breach  of  the  laws  in  any  cominnnity  of 
the  state.  Sncli  board  of  state  police  shall  have  authority  to 
enfoijce  the  moral  laws  in  any  and  all  cases  where  the  local 
law  enforcing  officers  neglect  or  refuse  to  do  so,  such  action 
to  take  i^lace  only  after  the  local  law  enforcing  officers  have 
been  informed  of  and  have  been  furnished  the  evidence  of  such 
breaches  of  the  moral  laws. 

Section  15.  In  order  to  secure  the  enforcement  of  such  laws 
where  the  local  law  enforcing  officers  neglect  or  refuse  to  en- 
force the  same,  the  said  superintendent  shall  report  such  fact  to 
the  said  board  of  state  police,  and  thereupon  at  their  request  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  attorney-general’s  department  to  pros- 
ecute such  violations. 

Section  16.  Such  superintendent  of  state  police  and  any 
state  policeman  shall  have  the  right  to  enter  into  any  place 
where  crime  is  being  committed,  and  every  person  being  there- 
in or  having  charge  of  such  place  who  refuses  or  fails  to  ad- 
mit such  officers,  or  obstructs  or  attempts  to  obstruct  the  en- 
try of  any  such  officer  into  such  place,  shall  be  liable  to  a fine 
not  exceeding  fifty  dollars. 

The  Age  of  Consent. 

' There  is  a widespread  demand  that  the  age  of  consent  for 
women  be  raised.  The  following  proposed  amendment  covers 
the  changes  in  the  existing  statutes,  that  would  be  required. 
Since  the  average  mentality  of  the  women  addicted  to  immoral 
practices  is  shown,  by  the  three  recognized  tests,  to  be  only  about 
that  of  a child  ten  years  of  age,  there  certainly  is  a necessity 
that  the  state  lend  its  aid  in  securing  protection  for.  such  women. 

A BILL  ^ 

To  amend  sections  4381,  4382,  4580,  4581a,  4581b,  and  4588a  of 
the  statutes,  relating  to  the  age  of  consent  for  women. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate  and 
Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows ; 

Section  1.  Section  4381  of  the  statutes  is  amended  by  strik- 
ing out  the  word  “fourteen”  where  it  occurs  in  line  two  and 
insei’ting  in  lieu  thereof  the  word  “eighteen.” 

Section  2.  Section  4382  of  the  statutes  is  amended  by  strik- 
ing out  the  word  “fourteen”  where  it  occurs  in  line  two  and 
inserting  in  lieu  thereof  the  word  “eighteen.” 

Section  3.  Section  4580  of  the  statutes  is  amended  by  strik- 
ing out  the  word  “fourteen”,  where  it  occurs  in  line  two  and 


220 


Report  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


inserting  in  lieu  thereof  the  word  “eighteen”;  and  by  strik- 
ing out  the  word  “eighteen”  where  it  occurs  in  line  six  and 
inserting  in  lieu  thereof  the  words  “twenty-one.” 

Section  4.  Section  4581a  of  the  statutes  is  amended  hy  strik- 
ing out  tlie  word  “sixteen”  where  it  occurs  in  line  four  and 
inserting  in  lieu  thereof  the  words  “twenty-one.” 

Section  5.  Section  4581b  of  the  statutes  is  amended  hy 
striking  out  the  words  “sixteen”  where  they  occur  in  line 
three  and  inserting  in  lieu  thereof  the  words  “twenty-one.” 

Section  6.  Section  4588a  of  the  statutes  is  amended  by 
striking  out  the  word  “fourteen”  where  it  occurs  in  line  three 
and  inserting  in  lieu  thereof  the  Avord  “eighteen.” 

An  Industrial  Home  for  Women. 

One  of  the  difficult  problems  this  committee  has  been  asked  to 
solve  is : “ What  shall  be  done  Avith  the  Avomen  who  are  inmates  of 
houses  of  prostitution,  when  such  houses  are  done  aAvay  A\ith?” 
In  some  states  an  attempt  has  been  made  to  solve  this  problem 
by  proA'iding  suitable  “Homes”  for  such  Avomen,  Avhere  they  may 
be  kept  until  they  have  received  proper  medical  treatment  and 
been  pronounced  free  from  disease,  and  Avhere  they  may  receive 
instruction  in  some  useful  line  of  Avork,  so  that  npon  their  re- 
lease they  may  be  able  to  secure  honest  employment.  The  Bed- 
ford Home,  at  Bedford,  N.  Y.,  best  illustrates  Avhat  may  he  done 
along  this  line. 

As  AVisconsin  is  noAv  engaged  in  the  construction  of  an  indus- 
trial home  for  Avomen,  this*  committee  recommends  that  in  such 
home  a department  for  the  care  of  these  unfortunate  Avomen  be 
proAuded.  From  this  home  they  might  he  paroled  as  soon  as 
tlieir  condition  Avould  Avarrant  it. 

The  folloAving  proposed  bill  makes  provision  for  a depai'tment 
such  as  is  aboA'e  suggested. 


A BILL 

To  amend  Sections  4944n  and  4944r  of  the  statutes,  relating 
to  an  industrial  home  for  Avomen. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate  and 
Assembly,  do  enact  as  folloAvs : 

Section  1.  Section  4944n,  of  the  statutes  is  amended  by 
insei'ting  in  line  fifteen  thereof,  after  the  Avord  “Prostitute” 
the  Avords  “or  of  soliciting  on  public  streets  or  places  for  the 


Ueport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


221 


purpose  of  prostitution,  or  frequenting  disorderly  liouses  or 
houses  of  prostitution.” 

Section  2.  Section  4944r  of  the  statutes  is  amended  by  add- 
ing at  the  end  thereof  the  words  “and  shall  equip  one  ward  or 
department  of  such  institution  Avith  suitable  hospital  facilities 
for  the  treatment  of  AAmmen  afflicted  with  venereal  disease ; 
and  shall  also  equip  a psychological  laboratory  for  the  study 
and  treatment  of  mental  disorders  to  Avhich  Avomen  and  girls 
addicted  to  immoral  practices  are  subject.  Such  females  shall 
be  committed  for  treatment  and  such  industrial  training  as 
shall  enable  them  to  support  themselves  properly,  and  shall 
be  subject  to  such  examinations,  treatments,  operations  and 
tests,  under  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  board  of  control, 
as  shall  be  deemed  necessary  by  the  state  board  of  health  to 
improve  their  physical  and  mental  condition. 

Protection  Against  Venereal  Disease. 

The  testimony  presented  at  hearings  of  this  committee,  by 
physicians  throughout  the  state,  tends  to  show  that  a large  ma- 
jority of  all  males,  and  a very  large  number  of  females,  at  some 
time  in  life  contract  venereal  disease,  and  that  very  frequently 
such  disease  is  transmitted  to  innocent  persons.  It  is  stated  that 
in  a vast  number  of  siich  eases  a cure  is  never  effected.  Un- 
doubtedly this  causes  one  of  the  greatest  possible  economic  losses 
to  the  state.  To  remedy  such  a state  of  affairs  the  folloAving 
proposed  bill  is  recommended. 

A BILL 

To  prohibit  sexual  relations  between  persons  afflicted  Avith 
venereal  disease,  and  providing  a penalty. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate  and 
Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

Section  1.  There  is  added  to  the  statutes  a neAv  section  to 
read:  Section  4579a.  Any  person  afflicted  with  gonorrhea  or 
syphilis,  Avho  shall  knowingly  transmit  or  assume  the  risk  of 
transmitting  such  disease  by  intercourse  with  another  person, 
shall  be  punished  by  a fine  of  not  less  than  one  hundred  dol- 
lars nor  more  than  five  hundred  dollars,  or  by  imprisonment  in 
the  county  jail  for  not  less  than  six  months  nor  more  than  one 
year;  and  in  addition  thereto  shall  be  liable  to  the  party  in- 
jured in  damages  to  be  recovered  in  any  court  of  competent 
jurisdiction, 


222 


liEPOK'L'  01>'  THE  WISCONSIN  ViCE  COMMITTEE. 


Pandering'. 

The  investigators  of  this  committee,  in  their  efforts  to  ascer- 
tain the  location  of  immoral  resorts  in  different  localities  of  the 
state,  found  that  information  as  to  immoral  resorts  could  liest 
be  obtained  from  certain  barkeepers,  cab  drivers,  hotel  clerks 
and  others.  It  was  found  that  many  of  these  persons  made  a 
practice  of  furnishing  the  names  and  addresses  of  women,  and 
even  young  girls,  whom  they  knew  it  would  be  safe  to  approach. 
For  the  purpose  of  eliminating  this  practice  the  following  pro- 
posed bill  is  offered. 

A BILL 

To  amend  section  4581h — 1 of  the  statutes,  relating  to  pan- 
dering. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate  and 
Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

Section  1.  Section  4581h — 1 of  the  statutes  is  amended  by 
adding  at  the  end  thereof  the  following : Any  liveryman,  auto 
driver,  cab  driver,  bartender,  hotel  clerk,  bellboj^  waiter,  or 
policeman,  or  any  other  person,  who  shall  furnish  to  any  per- 
son seeking  opportunity  for  immoral  practices  the  name  or 
address  of  any  prostitute  or  immoral  girl  or  woman,  or  house 
of  prostitution  or  assignation,  shall  be  punished  by  imprison- 
ment in  the  county  jail  for  not  less  than  thirty  days  nor  more 
than  six  months,  or  by  a fine  of  not  less  than  twenty-five  dol- 
lars nor  more  than  one  hundred  dollars. 

Indecent  Exhibitions  at  County  and  State  Fairs. 

klany  complaints  have  come  to  this  committee  tliat  indecent 
exhibitions  are  permitted  to  be  held  at  county  fairs,  and  evt-n 
at  the  state  fair.  Such  indecent  exhibitions  certainly  tend  to 
corrupt  the  morals  not  only  of  youths,  but  of  adults  as  well. 
For  the  purpose  of  prohibiting  such  exhibitions  in  future,  the 
following  proposed  bill  is  recommended. 

A BILL 

To  prohibit  indecent  exhibitions  at  fairs  and  providing  a 

penalty. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate  and 
Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

Section  4590  of  the  statutes  is  amended  b}”-  adding  at  the 
end  thereof : 

(e)  Any  person  who  is  the  superintendent,  manager,  or  offi- 


Report  of  tpie  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


223 


cer  of  any  fair  association,  or  the  owner,  manager  or  i)erson 
in  cliarge  of  any  show  or  exhibition  which  tends  or  would  nat- 
urally tend  to  the  corruption  of  the  morals  of  youths  or  of 
others,  who  permits  the  same  to  be  so  exhibited,  and  every 
person  aiding  or  abetting  in  such  act,  shall  be  punished  by  a 
fine  of  not  less  than  twenty-five  dollars  nor  more  than  one 
hundred  dollars,  or  by  imprisonment  in  the  c-  nty  jail  for  not 
less  than  thirty  days  nor  more  than  six  mcnlhs;  and  before 
any  moneys  shall  be  paid  to  them  by  the  state  the  officers  of 
the  fair  association  shall  make  and  file  a eertifieate  of  the  fact 
that  no  such  exhibition  was  held  or  permitted  to  be  held  upon 
the  grounds  under  their  control. 


Punishment  for  Violation  of  the  Moral  Laws. 

Complaint  is  very  frequently  made  that  the  punishment  in- 
flicted upon  the  male  for  the  violation  of  the  moral  laws  is  very 
much  less  severe  than  that  inflicted  upon  the  female  for  the 
same  offense.  It  is  insisted  that  it  is  only  just  and  proper  that 
the  male  should  be  made  to  suffer  equally  with  the  female.  It 
is  contended  further  that  a second  or  subsequent  conviction  for 
a violation  of  any  of  the  moral  laws  or  other  laws  regulating 
practices  which  tend  to  immorality  should  be  punished  by  im- 
prisonment, and  not  merely  by  a fine  as  is  very  frequently  the 
practice  at  present. 

For  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  the  above  suggestions  the  fol- 
lowing proposed  bill  is  offered. 

A BILL 

'I’o  create  section  -IGdoa  of  the  statutes,  relating  to  i)enallies  in 

certain  cases. 

Tlie  i)eople  of  tlie  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate 
and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

Section  1.  There  is  added  to  the  statutes  a new  seetio]i  to 
read : Section  4635a.  LTpon  a second  or  subsequent  plea  of 
guilty,  or  a plea  of  nolle  contendere,  or  upon  conviction  upon 
trial  for  violation  of  any  of  the  moral  laws  of  this  state,  the 
punishment  inflicted  by  the  court  shall  be  imprisonment  for 
the  term  provided  in  that  particular  section  of  the  statutes. 


224 


Repout  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee, 


Hotels. 

Much  evidence  has  been  presented  to  the  committee  that  com- 
mercialized prostitution  is  knowingly  permitted  in  manj"  of  the 
liotels  of  the  state.  It  is  believed  that  much  good  would  result 
if  guests  were  com])elled  to  register  their  true  names  and  ad- 
dresses, and  a penalty  provided  for  registration  under  a ficti- 
tious name  or  address. 

In  many  cases  closed  private  dining  rooms  in  hotels  are  used 
for  immoral  purposes.  Legislation  for  the  regulation  of  such 
private  dining  rooms  is  needed.  The  following  addition  to  the 
innkeepers  law  is  suggested. 

' ■ A BILL 

To  amend  Section  1408m — 10  of  the  statutes,  relating  to  inn- 
keepers. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate 
and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

Section  1.  Section  1408m — 10  of  the  statutes  is  amended  liy 
inserting  after  subsection  10  thereof  a new  subsection  to  read: 

10a.  1.  Innholders’  licenses  or  permits  issued  under  subsec- 
tions 1 to  11  of  section  1408m — 10,  of  the  statutes  and  its  amend- 
ments, shall  be  granted  oidy  after  investigation  by  or  under  the 
direction  of  the  licensing  board  into  the  fitness  of  the  applicant 
to  receive  STich  license,  and  shall  be  subject  to  the  provisions  of 
this  chapter,  as  well  as  the  provisions  of  said  statutes. 

2.  Hotels  and  all  premises  maintained  wholly  or  in  part 
under  innholders’  licenses  or  permits  shall  at  all  times  be  sub- 
ject to  inspection  with  reference  to  conditions  existing  upon 
the  premises,  by  the  police  or  other  officials  lawfully  exercising 
the  functions  of  police,  and  by  inspectors  and  agents  of  the 
board  charged  with  the  duty  of  licensing  innholders,  and  by 
agents  and  inspectors  authorized  by  any  district  attorney  or 
by  the  attornej^-general.  Report  of  unlawful  conditions  exist- 
ing upon  or  about  such  premises  shall  forthwith  be  made  to  the 
licensing  board. 

3.  All  persons  licensed  as  innholders  shall  keep,  or  cause  to 
be  kept  by  their  employees,  a register  in  permanent  form  for 
the  recording  of  the  true  name  and  residence  of  every  person 
occupying  or  sharing  in  occupying  for  any  period  of  time 
whatsoever  of  the  day  or  night  a room  upon  the  premises  con- 
trolled by  the  licensee,  other  than  an  open  room  exclusively  de- 
voted to  and  used  for  the  convenience  of  all  amests  of  either  or 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


225 


both  sexes,  such  as  an  office,  reception,  dining,  reading  or  wait- 
ing room,  together  with  a true  and  accurate  record,  made  by 
the  licensee  or  his  employee  for  the  time  being  in  custody  of 
such  register,  of  the  room  or  rooms  assigned  to  such  person  or 
persons  and  of  the  time  when  each  of  such  persons  began  and 
ceased  to  occupy  such  room  or  rooms.  The  register  so  kept 
shalUat  all  times  be  open  to  the  inspection  of  the  police  and  to 
officers,  inspectors  and  agents  of  the  government,  and  each 
such  hotel  shall  cause  the  name  of  the  owner  and  of  the  occu- 
pant of  the  premises  to  be  conspicuously  displayed  on  the  front 
door  of  such  building  in  letters  not  less  than  three  inches  in 
height. 

4.  All  persons  occupying  or  sharing  in  occupying  rooms  as 
described  in  the  preceding  section  shall  either  sign  their  true 
names  and  residences  in  such  register  or  shall  cause  their  true 
names  and  residences  to  be  entered  upon  the  register  for  them, 
or  shall  state  their  true  names  and  residences  to  the  licensee  or 
to  his  employee  in  custody  of  the  register,  Avho  shall  enter  the 
same  upon  the  register. 

5.  All  persons  refusing  or  neglecting  or  otherwise  failing  to 
comply  with  the  provisions  of  the  preceding  sections  of  this 
act,  including  persons  knowingly  signing  or  entering  or  caus- 
ing or  iiermitting  the  entering  of  a false  name  or  residence  in  a 
register  required  by  the  provisions  of  this  act  to  he  kept,  shall 
be  punished  by  a fine  of  not  less  than  Vventy-five  dollars  nor 
more  than  five  hundred  dollars,  or  by  imprisonment  for  not 
more  than  two  months  for  each  offence,  or  by  both  such  fine 
and  imprisonment. 

6.  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person  holding  an  innhold- 
er’s license  or  for  any  employee  of  such  licensee  to  use,  main- 
tain for  use  or  permit  the  use  of  closed  private  dining  rooms  in 
hotels  and  upon  premises  maintained  wholly  or  in  part  under 
an  innholder’s  license,  by  a number  of  persons  more  than  one 
and  less  than  five,  unless  the  persons  shall  all  be  men  or  shall 
all  be  women ; provided,  however,  that  nothing  herein  contained 
shall  he  held  to  prevent  the  serving  of  meals  to  a family  in  its 
proper  lodging  room  or  suite  of  rooms.  A space  so  enclosed 
that  persons  within  it  are  shut  off  from  public  view,  whether 
by  walls,  doors,  curtains,  portieres,  screens  or  other  device, 
within  which  either  food  or  drink  is  served  or  consumed,  shall 
be  deemed  to  be  a private  dining  room  Avithin  the  meaning  of 
this  section. 

7.  An  innholder  upon  whose  premises  a room  or  space  has 
been  used  in  violation  of  this  act  shall  be  punished  hy  a fine  of 
not  less  than  fifty  dollars  nor  more  than  five  hundred  dollars, 
or  by  imprisonment  for  a period  of  not  exceeding  three  months, 
or  by  both  such  fine  and  imprisonment. 

8.  The  clerk  of  anj"  court  in  AA'hich  any  person  is  convicted 
of  a violation  of  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  chapter  shall 

15— V.  0. 


226 


Keport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


forthwith  send  a copy  of  the  record  of  such  conviction  to  the 
board  charged  with  the  duty  of  issuing  innholders’  licenses  in 
the  city  or  town  where  the  offence  occurred. 

9.  Whoever  being  licensed  as  an  innholder  is  convicted  a 
second  time  under  the  provisions  of  subsections  1 to  11  of  sec- 
tion 1408m — 10  of  the  statutes,  or  under  the  provisions  of  this 
section,  shall  in  addition  to  suffering  the  penalties  provided  in 
the  preceding  sections  of  this  chapter  be  adjudged  to  have  for- 
feited his  license  as  an  innholder. 

Section  2.  This  act  shall  take  effect  upon  its  passage  and 
publication. 

Necessity  for  Requirement  that  Lodging  Houses  and  Rooming 
Houses  Be  Licensed. 

The  present  economic  conditions  necessitate  the  widespread 
use  of  lodging  houses  and  rooming  houses.  In  the  interest  of 
morality,  as  well  as  sanitation,  there  should  be  a requirement 
that  such  lodging  houses  and  rooming  houses  be  licensed  by  the 
state,  and  that  registration  of  roomers  and  lodgers  in  such  houses 
be  required. 

The  following  bill  covers  the  above  suggestions. 

A BILL 

To  provide  for  the  licensing,  inspection  and  regulation  of 
rooming  houses  and  lodging  houses. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate 
and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

Section  1.  No  person  owning,  leasing,  occupying  or  manag- 
ing a building  or  part  of  building  used  for  private  dwelling 
purposes  in  any  city  or  toivn  shall  engage  in  the  business  of 
renting  rooms  for  lodging  except  under  a license  therefor  from 
the  board  authorized  by  section  1548  of  the  statutes  to  issue 
licenses.  A person  shall  be  deemed  to  be  engaged  in  the  busi- 
ness of  renting  rooms  for  lodging,  within  the  meaning  of  this 
act,  if  the  total  number  of  occupants  of  all  rooms  rented  by 
him  is  greater  than  five.  Such  license  shall  state  the  true  name 
of  the  licensee  and  the  location  of  the  premises  to  which  it  re- 
lates, and  shall  not  be  assignable  and  shall  not  authorize  the 
renting  of  rooms  at  any  location  other  than  that  described. 
No  fee  shall  be  required  to  be  paid  for  such  license.  A copy  of 
every  license  issued  and  a record  of  the  date  when  and  the 
name  and  residence  of  the  person  to  whom  it  was  issued  shall 
be  kept  by  the  licensing  authority. 

Section  2.  No  license  shall  be  granted  until  the  fitness  of 
the  applicant  therefor  has  been  established  to  the  satisfaction 


Keport  of  the  'Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


227 


of  the  licensing  board.  The  police  shall,  upon  request  of  the 
licensing  authority,  investigate  and  report  upon  the  fitness  of 
applicants  to  receive  such  licenses. 

Section  3.  All  persons  managing  or  otherwise  having  or 
sharing  the  control  of  any  building  or  part  thereof  in  which 
rooms  are  rented  for  dwelling  or  lodging  shall  keep  or  cause  to 
he  kept  in  permanent  form  a register  in  which  shall  be  entered 
the  true  name  of  every  person  and  the  city  or,  town  of  perma- 
nent residence  of  every  person  renting  or  sharing  in  renting  a 
room,  and  of  every  person  occupying  or  sharing  in  occupying  a 
room  which  has  been  rented  upon  the  premises,  together  with  a 
true  and  accurate  statement  of  the  time  when  the  renting  and 
occupation  by  each  and  every  person  begins  and  terminates. 
Such  register  shall  at  all  times  be  open  to  the  inspection  of  the 
police  and  of  the  licensing  authoidties  and  their  authorized 
agents. 

Section  4.  The  premises  so  occupied,  used  or  controlled  by 
the  licensee,  shall  at  all  times  be  subject  to  inspection  by  the 
licensing  authorities  and  their  authorized  agents  and  by  the 
police,  who  shall  report  the  results  of  their  inspection  to  the 
licensing  authority. 

Section  5.  Every  license  shall  be  understood  to  be  granted 
subject  to  the  condition  that  the  licensee  shall  not  engage  in, 
authorize  or  allow  any  disorderly  conduct  upon  the  premises, 
and  that  the  provisions  of  this  section  shall  be  complied  with. 

Section  6.  Any  person  failing  to  comply  with  the  provisions 
of  this  act  shall  be  punished  for  each  offence  by  a fine  of  not 
less  than  five  nor  more  than  one  hundred  dollars,  or  by  im- 
prisonment for  not  more  than  one  month,  or  by  both  such 
fine  and  imprisonment. 

Section  7.  A license  issued  under  the  provisions  of  this  act 
shall  be  revoked  if  at  any  time  the  licensing  authority,  after 
investigation  and  after  hearing,  or  after  giving  an  opportun- 
ity to  be  heard,  a notice  of  which  shall  be  left  at  the  premises 
of  the  licensee  not  less  than  twenty-four  hours  before  the  time 
set  for  the  hearing,  shall  be  satisfied  that  the  licensee  is  unfit 
to  hold  such  license. 

Immorality  in  Cafes,  Restaurants,  Saloons,  Etc. 

In  many  cafes,  restauisants  and  saloons  there  are  small  apart- 
ments separated  by  partitions,  curtains  or  screens.  In  many 
cases  young  girls  are  taken  into  these  private  apartments  and 
there  served  liquor,  and  later  taken  to  places  where  immoral 
practices  are  permitted.  In  order  that  the  present  laws  prohib- 


228 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


iting  such  practices  may  be  more  easily  enforced  the  following 
bill  is  presented : 

' A BILL 

To  Prohibit  Immorality  in  Cafes,  Restaurants,  Saloons,  Etc. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate 
and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows: 

Section  1.  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person  owning, 
managing  or  controlling  a cafe,  restaurant,  saloon  or  other 
place  where  food  or  drink  is  sold  to  the  public  to  be  consumed 
upon  the  premises,' in  any  city  or  town,  and  for  any  person  em- 
ployed by  such  person,  to  provide,  maintain,  use  or  permit  the 
use  of  rooms,  booths,  stalls  or  enclosures  of  any  description 
whatsoever  which  are  so  closed  by  walls,  partitions,  curtains, 
screens  or  other  devices  that  the  persons  within  cannot  at  any 
time  be  seen  by  all  other  persons  in  such  cafe,  restaurant, 
saloon  or  other  place,  or  in  any  divisions  thereof  into  which 
the  premises  may  be  divided  under  regulation  of  licensing  au- 
thorities. 

Section  2.  Any  person  violating  the  provisions  of  the  pre- 
ceding section  shall  be  punished  by  a fine  of  not  less  than  fifty 
dollars  nor  more  than  five  hundred  dollars,  or  by  imprison- 
ment for  not  more  than  two  months,  or  by  both  such  fine  and 
imprisonment. 

Section  3.  Whoever  shall  resort  to  any  cafe,  restaurant, 
saloon  or  other  place  where  food  or  drink  is  sold  or  served  to 
be  consumed  upon  the  premises,  for  the  purpose  of  immoral 
solicitation  or  immoral  bargaining,  or  in  any  manner  induc- 
ing another  person  to  engage  in  immoral  conduct,  and  who- 
ever being  in  or  about  any  such  place  shall  engage  in  any  such 
acts,  shall  be  punished  by  a fine  of  not  less  than  twenty-five 
dollars  nor  more  than  five  hundred  dollars,  or  by  imprison- 
ment for  not  more  than  one  year,  or  by  both  such  fiue  and 
imprisonment. 

Section  4.  Whoever  being  licensed  as  an  innholder  and  who- 
ever being  licensed  to  sell  intoxicating  liquors,  shall,  himself 
■or  through  his  employes,  knowingly  permit  a cafe,  restaurant, 
saloon  or  other  such  place  maintained  by  him  or  under  his 
■direction  or  control,  to  be  used  for  any  of  the  purposes  de- 
scribed in  section  three  of  this  act,  shall  be  punished  by  a fine 
of  not  less  than  one  hundred  nor  more  than  one  thousand  dol- 
lars, or  by  imprisonment  for  not  more  than  two  years,  or  by 
both  such  fine  and  imprisonment.  A person  shall  he  presumed 
knoAvingly  to  have  permitted  such  use  within  the  meaning  of 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


229 


this  section  if  by  the  exercise  of  reasonable  diligence  and 
watchfulness  he  could  have  learned  of  such  use. 

Section  5.  In  addition  to  the  penalties  provided  in  the  pre- 
ceding sections  the  license  or  licenses  of  a person  convicted  of 
a violation  of  the  provisions  of  section  four,  upon  the  first 
conviction  may  be  suspended  for  such  period  as  the  licensing 
officer  or  board  may  determine,  and  upon  the  second  convic- 
tions such  license  or  licenses  shall  be  adjudged  to  have  been 
forfeited. 

Section  6.  The  clerk  of  the  court  in  which  any  person  is 
convicted  of  a violation  of  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  chap- 
ter shall  forthwith  send  a copy  of  the  record  of  such  convic- 
tion to  the  boards  having  jurisdiction  of  such  license  or  li- 
censes in  the  city  or  town  where  the  offense  was  committed. 

Section  7.  Innholders’  licenses  or  permits  issued  under 
subdivisions  1 to  11  of  section  1408m — 10,  of  the  statutes  and 
its  amendments  shall  be  understood  to  be  subject  to  the  pro- 
visions of  this  section,  and  saloon  licenses  issued  under  the 
provisions  of  chapter  66,  of  the  statutes. 


Fictitious  Names  Permitted  in  Court  Records. 

Evidence  has  been  presented  to  the  committee  that  persons  of 
standing  and  of  presumed  respectability,  who  have  been  arrested 
for  violating  the  moral  laws,  have  been  permitted  by  the  court 
to  give  fictitious  names,  in  order  that  they  might  escape  unde- 
sired publicity.  In  order  that  there  may  be  no  unfair  discrim- 
ination in  such  cases  the  following  bill  is  proposed. 

A BILL 

To  prohibit  the  use  of  false  or  fictituous  names. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate 
and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  folloAvs : 

Section  1.  Any  person  who  shall  give  or  permit  to  be  given, 
or  knowingly  receive  or  permit  to  be  entered  upon  any  process 
or  docket  any  false  or  fictitious  name  or  address  in  place  of 
the  person’s  true  name  or  address,  upon  being  arrested  for  a 
violation  of  any  of  the  excise  or  moral  laws  of  this  state,  or 
an  ordinance  of  any  village,  city  or  toAvn,  shall  be  punished 
by  a fine  of  not  less  than  fifty  dollars  nor  more  than  one  hun- 
dred dollars  or  by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  for  not  less 
than  one  month  nor  more  than  six  months. 


230 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Unlawful  Use  of  Certain  Drugs  and  Appliances. 

This  committee  has  found  that  in  many  of  the  cities  of  the 
state  drug  stores  have  for  sale  certain  drugs  and  remedies  which 
are  intended  to  bring  about  an  abortion,  and  also  certain  drugs 
and  appliances  which  are  intended  to  prevent  conception.  It 
has  been  stated  to  the  committee  by  a resident  of  one  of  the 
smaller  cities  of  the  state  that  in  that  city  it  was  a common  oc- 
currence for  minors  to  boast  openly  that  they  felt  perfectly  safe 
in  having  illegitimate  relations,  because  of  the  fact  that  they 
possessed  such  appliances. 

In  order  to  eliminate  the  evils  arising  from  such  a state  of  af- 
fairs the  following  hill  is  recommended. 

A BILL 

To  create  section  4538a,  forbidding  the  sale  of  drugs  and  ap- 
pliances in  certain  cases. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate 
and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

There  is  added  to  the  statutes  a new  section  to  read : 

Section  4583a.  Any  person  who  shall  sell  or  give  away,  or 
keep  for  sale  or  for  gratuitous  distribution  any  drug  or  nostrum 
or  any  contrivance,  thing,  or  device  intended  for  the  preven- 
tion of  conception  or  for  causing  unlawful  abortion,  except 
upon  a prescription  of  a reputable  physician,  shall,  upon  con- 
viction, he  punished  by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  not 
more  than  one  year  nor  less  than  six  months  or  by  fine  not  ex- 
ceeding $500  nor  less  than  $100  or  by  both  such  fine  and  im- 
prisonment in  the  discretion  of  the  court. 

Enforcement  of  Laws. 

One  of  the  most  serious  problems  which  this  committee  has 
found  to  exist  is  that  caused  by  the  non-enforcement  of  laws. 
Many  officers  have  testified  that  they  had  made  no  effort  to  en- 
force certain  laws,  because  they  believed  public  sentiment  was  op- 
posed to  their  enforcement.  The  present  methods  of  remov- 
ing such  officers  are  difficult  to  take  advantage  of,  and  are  sub- 
ject to  many  delays.  In  order  to  remedy  such  a condition  the 
following  bill  is  proposed.  A similar  law  has  been  upheld  by 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


231 


the  supreme  court  of  the  state  of  Kansas  (32  Kansas  14),  and 
affirmed  by  the  U.  S.  Supreme  Court  (112  U.  S.  20l). 

A BILL 

To  create  section  4549a  of  the  statutes,  authorizing  the  circuit 
court  or  judge  to  remove  officers  for  misfeasance,  mal- 
feasance, or  nonfeasance  in  office,  and  providing  a method 
of  procedure  therefor. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate 
and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

Section  1.  There  is  added  to  the  statutes  a new  section  to 
read : Section  4549a.  1.  Any  district  attorney,  city  attorney, 

sheriff,  mayor,  police  officer,  marshal,  or  constable,  shall  be 
removed  from  office  by  the  circuit  court  or  judge  upon  charges 
made  in  writing  and  hearing  thereunder,  for  the  folloAving 
causes : 

(1.)  For  Avilful  or  habitual  neglect  or  refusal  to  perform  the 
duties  of  his  office. 

(2.)  For  conscious  obstruction  to  the  due  course  of  the  ad- 
ministration of  public  affairs. 

(3.)  For  Avilful  misconduct,  or  maladministration  in  office. 

(4.)  For  corruption. 

(5.)  For  extortion. 

(6.)  For  gambling. 

(7.)  Upon  conviction  of  a felony. 

(8.)  For  intoxication  or  upon  conviction  of  being  intoxi- 
cated. 

2.  The  complaint  or  petition  shall  be  entitled  in  the  name 
of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  and  may  be  filed  upon  the  relation 
of  any  five  qualified  electors  of  the  county  in  Avhich  the  person 
charged  is  an  officer,  the  county  attorney  of  such  county,  or 
the  attorney-general,  and  shall  be  filed  by  the  attorney-general 
AAdien  directed  so  to  do  by  the  goAmrnor.  It  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  county  attorney  to  appear  and  prosecute  this  proceed- 
ing AAffien  the  officer  sought  to  be  removed  is  one  other  than 
himself ; and  Avhen  the  proceeding  is  brought  to  remove  the 
county  attorney,  the  court  may  appoint  an  attorney  to  ap- 
pear in  behalf  of  the  state  and  prosecute  such  proceedings. 

3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  governor,  Avhenever  he  has 
knoAvledge  that  reasonable  grounds  exist  for  the  filing  of  com- 
plaint against  any  of  the  Avithin  named  officers,  to  direct  the 
attorney-general  to  file  the  same  against  the  offending  party 
and  prosecute  the  said  action.  The  accused  shall  be  named 
as  defendant,  and  the  petition,  unless  filed  by  the  attorney- 
general,  shall  be  verified.  The  petition  shall  state  the  charges 
against  the  accused,  and  may  be  amended  as  in  ordinary  ac- 


232 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


tions,  and  shall  be  filed  in  the  office  of  the  clerk  of  the  circuit 
court  of  the  county  in  which  the  person  charged  is  an  officer. 
The  accused  may  at  any  time  prior  to  the  time  fixed  for  hear- 
ing file  in  the  office  of  the  clerk  of  the  circuit  court  his  answer, 
which  shall  be  verified. 

4.  If  the  person  or  persons  filing  the  complaint  or  the  de- 
fendant believes  that  the  cause  ought  not  to  be  heard  before 
any  judge  of  such  circuit,  he  shall  at  the  time  he  files  his  peti- 
tion or  answer  in  the  office  of  the  clerk  of  the  circuit  court  file 
a copy  thereof  in  the  office  of  the  clerk  of  the  supreme  court, 
together  with  an  application  to  the  supreme  court  asking  for  the 
appointment  of  a judge  outside  of  such  circuit  to  hear  the  com- 
plaint. Upon  the  filing  of  the  copy  of  such  complaint,  together 
with  the  application,  in  the  office  of  the  clerk  of  the  supreme 
court,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  chief  justice  of  the  supreme 
court,  or  in  his  absence  or  inability  to  act,  any  justice  thereof, 
to  forthwith  issue  a written  commission  directing  a circuit 
judge  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin  outside  of  such  circuit  to  pro- 
ceed to  the  county  in  which  the  complaint  is  filed,  and  hear 
the  same.  Upon  the  receipt  of  such  commission  said  judge 
shall  immediately  make  an  order  fixing  a time  for  hearing, 
which  shall  not  be  less  than  ten  nor  more  than  twenty  days 
thereafter,  and  forward  said  order  to  the  clerk  of  the  circuit 
court  of  the  county  in  which  the  hearing  is  to  be  had.  The 
clerk  shall  file  such  order  and  fortliAvith  cause  a copy  thereof 
or  a notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  hearing  to  be  served  on  the 
accused.  If  the  cause  is  to  be  heard  by  a judge  within  the 
judicial  circuit,  upon  the  presentation  of  the  petition,  or  a 
copy  thereof,  to  such  judge,  he  shall  make  an  order  fixing  a 
time  for  the  hearing  as  hereinbefore  specified. 

5.  The  proeeeding  shall  be  summary  in  its  natnre  and  tri- 
able as  an  equitable  action,  and  may  be  heard  either  in  A'aea- 
tion  or  term  time,  and  shall  be  heard  before  the  court  or  judge 
without  the  intervention  of  a jury.  Upon  the  filing  of  the  pe- 
tition in  the  office  of  the  clerk  of  the  circuit  court  and  pre- 
sentation of  the  same  to  the  judge,  the  court  or  judge  may  sus- 
pend the  accused  from  office,  if  in  his  judgment  sufficient 
cause  appear  from  the  petition  and  affidavit  or  affidaA'its  Avhich 
may  be  presented  in  support  of  the  charges  contained  therein. 
In  case  of  suspension,  as  herein  proAuded,  the  temporary  A’a- 
caney  shall  be  filled  in  the  manner  proA’ided  by  laAv. 

6.  If  upon  a hearing  herein  proA'ided  for,  the  circuit  court 
or  judge  shall  find  that  the  accused  should  be  remoA'ed  from 
office  he  shall  make  and  enter  of  record  an  order  of  removal, 
and  the  Amcancy  thus  created  shall  be  filled  as  proA'ided  by  law. 

7.  In  ease  of  appeal  to  the  supreme  court,  the  cause  shall  be 
advanced  and  take  precedence  over  all  other  causes  upon  the 


Keport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


23a 


court  calendar,  and  shall  be  heard  at  the  next  term  after  the 
appeal  is  taken,  provided  the  abstract  and  arguments  are  filed 
in  said  court  in  time  for  said  action  to  be  heard.  The  supreme 
court  shall  fix  the  time  of  hearing  and  filing  of  arguments. 
The  taking  of  an  appeal  by  the  defendant  and  the  filing  of  a 
supersedeas  bond  shall  not  operate  to  stay  the  proceedings  of 
the  circuit  court  or  judge,  or  restore  said  defendant  to  office 
pending  such  appeal.  If  the  final  termination  of  such  pro- 
ceedings be  favorable  to  an  accused  officer,  said  officer  shall  be 
allowed  the  reasonable  and  necessary  expense,  including  a 
reasonable  attorney  fee  to  be  fixed  by  the  court  or  judge,  he 
has  incurred  in  making  his  defense,  by  the  county  if  he  be  a 
county  officer,  or  by  the  city  or  toAvn  in  which  he  holds  office 
if  he  be  mayor,  city  attorney,  police  officer  or  marshal.  If  the 
action  is  instituted  upon  complaint  of  citizens  as  herein  pro- 
vided, and  it  appears  to  the  court  that  there  was  no  reason- 
able cause  for  filing  the  complaint,  the  costs  may  be  taxed 
against  the  complaining  parties. 

H.  Any  judge  who  is  required  to  preside  at  a hearing  herein 
provided  for,  outside  of  his  judicial  district,  shall  be  allowed 
his  necessary  actual  expenses  incurred  by  reason  of  such  hear- 
ing, and  the  necessary  and  actual  expenses  of  his  official  re- 
porter. An  itemized  sworn  statement  shall  be  made  by  such 
judge  and  official  reporter,  showing  the  amount  of  expenses 
incurred,  and  the  same  shall  be  filed  with  the  secretary  of  state. 
Thereupon,  the  secretary  of  state  shall  draw  his  warrant  upon 
the  treasurer  of  the  state  for  such  amount. 

9.  This  method  of  removal  shall  be  in  addition  to  other 
methods  provided  by  law. 


A BILL 

To  amend  section  1557a  of  the  statutes,  relating  to  the  attend- 
ance of  girls  and  women  at  certain  dance  halls. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate 
and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

Section  1.  Section  1557a  of  the  statutes  is  amended  te 
read : Section  1557a.  Any  keeper  of  any  saloon,  shop  or  place 
of  any  name  whatsoever  for  the  sale  of  strong,  spirituous  or 
malt  liquors  to  be  drank  on  the  premises,  who  shall  permit  or 
alloAV  any  woman  to  be  present  at  or  participate  in  any  ball  or 
dance  held  in  such  saloon,  shop  or  place,  or  in  the  same  or  an 
adjoining  building,  shop  or  place,  or  in  any  place  where  liquors 
are  sold  or  dispensed,  or  any  place  adjoining  the  same,  under 
his  license,  or  who  shall  permit  or  allow  any  such  girl  or  young 
Avoman  to  linger  in  or  frequent  such  saloon,  shop  or  place,  shall 
be  punished  by  a fine  of  not  less  than  fifty  dollars  nor  more 


234 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


than  one  hundred  dollars,  or  by  imprisonment  in  the  county 
jail  not  to  exceed  six  months,  or  by  both  such  fine  and  imprison- 
ment. And  upon  conviction  his  license  shall  be  revoked  as  is 
provided  in  section  1558  of  the  said  statutes,  and  proof  of  such 
conviction  shall  be  conclusive  proof  that  such  keeper  main- 
tains a disorderly  and  improper  house  as  such  terms  are  used 
in  said  section  1558. 

A BILL 

To  create  section  2394 — 92  of  the  statutes  relating  to  employ- 
ment agencies. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate 
and  Assembly, ’do  enact  as  follows: 

Section  1.  There  is  added  to  the  statutes  a new  section  to 
read : 

Section  2394 — 92.  (a)  Every  person  managing  or  operating 

any  employment  bureau  for  women,  in  this  state,  from  which 
girls  are  assigned  for  employment,  shall  make  and  file  in  his 
office  application  cards  to  be  signed  by  any  applicant  for  help, 
on  which  shall  be  stated  the  business  of  the  place  to  which  an 
employee  is  to  be  furnished,  the  nature  of  the  work  to  be  per- 
formed by  the  employee,  the  Avages  to  be  paid,  and  the  state- 
ment that  no  immoral  practices  or  persons  are  permitted  on  or 
about  his  premises  and  the  employment  agent  shall,  before 
sending  any  young  girl  or  Avoman  under  thirty  years  of  age  to 
any  place  of  employment,  make  an  inA’estigation  of  the  moral 
conditions  surrounding  such  place  and  endorse  the  facts  found, 
on  the  application;  and  no  employment  agent  shall  adAuse  or 
send  any  girl  or  young  Avoman  under  thirty  years  of  age  to 
any  place  of  questionable  character. 

(b)  No  such  licensed  person  shall  send  or  cause  to  be  sent 
any  female  help,  serAmnt,  inmate,  performer,  or  any  other  per- 
son to  enter  any  questionable  place  of  bad  repute,  house  of  ill 
fame  or  assignation  house,  or  to  any  place  of  amusement  in 
which  immoral  practices  are  permitted,  or  place  resorted  to  for 
the  purpose  of  prostitution,  or  any  gambling  house,  the  char- 
acter of  Avhieh  such  places  the  licensing  person  knoAvs  either 
directly  or  by  reputation  or  Avhich  he  might  obtain  by  reason- 
able effort. 

(c)  No  such  licensed  person  shall  knowingly  permit  any 
questionable  character,  prostitute,  gambler,  intoxicated  person 
or  procurer  to  frequent  such  agency. 

(d)  Every  such  licensed  person  shall  keep  a premanent  rec- 
ord and  index  Avith  names  and  postoffiee  addresses  of  all  per- 
sons placed  in  seiwice  by  him,  with  reference  to  the  facts  con- 
tained in  the  application,  AA'hich  record  shall  be  open  to  the  in- 


Eeport  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


235 


speetion  of  the  officers  of  the  law  and  the  parent  or  guardian  of 
such  person. 


A BILL 

To  amend  sections  1548 — 2 and  1549  of  the  statutes,  relating  to 
applications  for  licenses  to  sell  intoxicating  liquors. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate 
and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

Section  1.  The  first  three  lines  of  section  1548 — 2 of  the  stat- 
utes are  amended  to  read  as  follows:  Section  1548 — 2.  “All 
applications  for  license  to  sell  intoxicating  liquors  in  any  town, 
village  or  city  in  this  state  shall  be  made  in  writing,  giving  the 
location  by  number  of  floor,  lot  and  block  of  the  premises  where 
such  business  is  to  be  conducted  and  shall  state  that  there  are 
entrances  only  from  the  street  and  not  more  than  one  rear  exit 
and  that  the  same  opens  upon  open  grounds,  and  that  there  is 
no  direct  connection  between  said  premises  and  any  room  or 
rooms  to  the  rear,  to  the  side,  or  upstairs;  that  there  are  no 
stalls,  family  entrances  or  wine  rooms  in  said  premises,  and 
that  there  are  no  screens  or  blinds  that  interfere  with  a full 
view  from  the  street,  throughout  said  premises  where  such  busi- 
ness is  to  be  conducted,  and  the” 

Section  2.  The  eleventh  line  of  section  1549  of  the  statutes 
is  amended  to  read  as  follows  : “Persons  intoxicated  or  border- 
ing upon  intoxication  or  to  habitual  drunkards;  that  he  will 
maintain  said  premises  Avith  entrance  only  from  the  street  and 
only  one  rear  exit,  Avhieh  shall  open  upon  open  grounds ; that 
he  will  not  permit  any  inside  connection  betAveen  said  premises 
and  any  room  or  rooms  at  the  side,  rear  or  above  said  saloon; 
that  he  aauII  not  permit  any  stalls,  family  entrances  or  wine 
rooms  on  said  premises,  nor  permit  any  blinds  or  screens  that 
will  interfere  Avith  a full  vicAV  from  the  street,  throughout  said 
licensed  premises,  and  that” 

A BILL 

To  create  section  4612a  of  the  statutes,  relating  to  the  trial  of 
misdemeanors  in  certain  cases. 

The  people  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate 
and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  folloAvs : 

Section  1.  There  is  added  to  the  statutes  a new  section  to 
read : Section  4612a.  The  trial  of  all  misdemeanors  arising 
under  the  moral  and  excise  laws  shall  be  tried  by  the  court 
having  jurisdiction,  without  a jury,  provided,  however,  that  if 
a jury  be  demanded,  the  verdict  of  five-sixths  of  their  number 
shall  be  sufficient  to  convict  or  acquit. 


236 


Report  op  the  AViscoxsin  Vice  Committee. 


Summary  of  Work  of  Committee. 

Public  hearings  have  been  held  by  this  committee  in  13  cities 
of  this  state,  the  time  occupied  in  conducting  such  hearings 
being  26  days.  At  such  hearings  605  witnesses  were  exam- 
ined by  the  committee.  Before  commencing  hearings  the 
chairman  of  the  committee  visited  42  cities  of  the  state,  occupy- 
ing about  60  days  in  such  work,  and  interviewed  311  of  the  lead- 
ing social  workers  and  public  officials  as  to  vice  conditions  exist- 
ing in  their  respective  cities  and  as  to  the  methods  and  extent 
of  law  enforcement  in  such  cities.  35  cities  were  visited  by 
the  expert  secret  investigators  of  the  committee  for  the  pur- 
pose of  learning  the  causes,  conditions  and  earnings  of  com- 
mercialized vice,  and  the  class  of  people  profiting  therefrom. 
In  the  aggi’egate  they  occupied  in  this  work  about  270  days. 

No  contributions  of  time,  money,  services  or  other  thing  of 
value  have  been  received  by  the  committee,  other  than  as  stated 
in  this  report ; nor  have  any  money  or  services  been  contributed 
by  the  members  of  the  committee,  other  than  as  herein  stated. 


Report  of  the  'Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


237 


Summary  of  Receipts  and  Disbursements  of  Committee. 


RECEIPTS. 

Appropriation  provided  for  by  Chapter  339,  laws  of  1913 $10,000  00 

Refund  on  overcharge  by  railroad  companj' 8 20 

• Total $10,008 


DISBURSEMENTS. 


Salaries. 

E Iroead 
fars. 

Sleeper, 

Street 
car, 
livery 
and  bus 
fares. 

j 

Hotel.  1 Meals. 

Miscel- 

lan- 

eous. 

Total. 

$2,385  10 

$103  10 

$17  60 

$3  40 

$69  75  $36  55 

$10  39 

$2,625  89 

Clerical  help,  preparing 

332  26 

20  80 

1 45 

38  00  16  75 

1 50 

410  76 

rept. 

Detectives 

1,368  70 

158  66 

11  00 

38  89 

190  45  ! 184  90 

601  13 

2,553  73 

Attorney  (Jas,  B.  Rey- 

None 

19  00 

3 00 

11  17  ' 5 65 

1 50 

40  32 

nolds) . 

87  15 

87  15 

156  90 

156  90 



39  62 

39  62 

7 00 

4 20 

4 75  6 55 

22  50 

Members  of  Committee. 

None 

772  94 

82  75 

19  96 

317  40  j 437  46 

20  57 

1,651  08 

Total 

$4,173  21 

$1,081  50 

$114  35 

$67  90 

$631  52  js687  86 

$831  61 

$7,587  95 

Balance  on  hand,  unexpended,  as  of  Dec.  4th,  1914 


$2,420.25 


FURTHER  EXPENSES  TO  BE  INCURRED.  (Estimated) 


Printing  10,000  copies  of  report $800.00 

Express  and  Postage  on  report 200.00 

Envelopes  for  report 25.00 

Salary  of  stenographer  150.00 

Supplies  from  Superintendent  of  Public  Property 86.45 

Miscellaneous  • 58.80 


Total  , 1,320.25 


Estimated  balance  to  be  returned  to  the  general  fund  of  the 
state  


$1,100.00 


INDEX. 


Page. 

Abortion  144 

Act  authorizing  investigation  to  be  made 5 

Age  of  consent •. 157 

Law  recommended  219 

Age  at  time  of  first  sex  offense  (Table) 107 

Agents  of  prostitution  13 

Madams,  Defined  13 

Owners,  Defined 13 

Pimps,  Defined  14 

Procurers,  Defined  13 

Apartment  houses  51 

Assignation  hotels  , 44 

Bastardy  to  be  made  extraditable  offense 169 

Call  houses  41 

See  “Places  of  prostitution” 

Causes  of  prostitution  103 

Indirect  108 

Mental  defects  103 

Churches  and  religious  organizations  171 

Churches  and  public  schools.  Attitude  of 110 

Cities  having  recognized  districts.  List  of 38 

Cities  having  immoral  places  which  are  allowed  to  exist  with 

little  if  any  interference  on  the  part  of  officials.  List  of . . 39 

Commercialized  aspect  of  prostitution 79 

Committee 

Act  authorizing  appointment  of 5 

Members  of  7 

Methods  of  procedure 10 

Organization  7 

Receipts  and  disbursements  of  237 

To  serve  without  compensation  7 


240  Report  of  the  ^YISCONSIN  Vice  Committee. 

Page. 

Control  of  veneral  diseases 
See  “Veneral  Diseases” 

County  and  state  fairs,  Indecent  exhibitions  at,  Larv  recommended  222 

Dance  Halls  63 

Girls  and  women  at  (Law  recommended) 233 

Recommendations  176 

Typical  case  of  downfall  due  to 67 

District  attorneys,  Questionaire  sent  to 97 

Domestics  121 

Illegitimacy  (Tables)  137 

Testimony  141 

Double  standards  117 

Drugs  and  appliances.  Unlawful  use  of  certain 

Law  recommended  230 

Duties  of  society  12 

Earnings  of  prostitutes  (Table)  20-22 

Economic  loss  due  to  venereal  disease 133 

See  “Venereal  Diseases” 

Economic  and  industrial  conditions IIS 

Education 

Venereal  diseases  162 

Recommendations  177 

See  “Social  hygiene” 

Employment  agencies  and  bureaus 165 

Law  recommended  234 

Enforcement  of  law  90,  147 

Law  recommended  230 

Reasons  given  by  officials  for  nonenforcement  of  certain  laws  14S 

Recommendations  174 

Testimony  86,  148 

See  “Injunction  and  abatement  law” 

See  “Nonenforcement  of  law” 

False  registration 

See  “Fictitious  names” 

Family  entrances 152 

Fictitious  names 

Registration  in  hotels  176 

In  court  records  (Law  recommended) 229 


Index. 


241 


Page. 

Gonorrhea 

See  “Venereal  diseases” 

Histories  of  inmates 19 

Tables  20-22 

Reports  of  investigators  23 

Hospitals 

Venereal  disease  hospitals  and  wards 161 

Venereal  disease  in,  (Tables)  131 

Hotels  44 

Law  recommended  224 

Recommendations  176 

Housing  conditions 121 


Ignorance  and  neglect,  Parental Ill 

Ignorance  of  sexual  phenomena 108 

Injunction  and  abatement  law 90 

Arguments  against  law  93 

Arguments  in  favor  of  law 94 

Conclusions  of  American  Social  Hygiene  Association 93 

Results  accomplished  by  the  Milwaukee  Society  for  the  Pre- 
vention of  Commercialized  Vice 92 

Wisconsin  law  90 

Illegitimacy  137 

Age  of  mothers  (Table)  138 

Illegitimate  births  (Table) 137 

Occupation  of  mothers  (Table)  137,138 

Percentage  of  domestics  138 

Immorality  in  cafes,  restaurants,  saloons,  etc. 

Law  recommended  227 

Immoral  women  and  girls.  Special  institution  for 163 

Industrial  home  for  women 

Law  recommended  220 

Inmates 

Age  of  (Table)  210 

History  of  60  (Tables) 20-22 

History  of  two  typical  cases 180 

Length  of  time  in  business  (Table) 210 

Number  in  houses  (Table)  209 

Reports  of  investigators 23 


is-v.  a 


242 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Page. 

Law  enforcement 

See  “Enforcement  of  laws” 

Laws  recommended 

Age  or  consent  219 

Applications  for  liquor  licenses  235 

County  and  state  fairs,  Indecent  exhibitions  at 222 

Dance  halls  233 

Employment  agencies  234 

Enforcement  of  laws  230 

Drugs  and  appliances.  Unlawful  use  of  certain 230 

Fictitious  names  in  court  records 229 

Hotels  224 

Immorality  in  cafes,  restaurants,  saloons,  etc 227 

Industrial  home  for  women  220 

Licensing  of  lodging  and  rooming  houses 226 

Mann  Act  as  applied  to  municipalities 212 

Misdemeanors  in  certain  cases.  Trial  of 235 

Morals  court  212 

Pandering  222 

Police  women , 214 

Punishment  for  violation  of  moral  laws 223 

Removal  of  officers  231 

Sexual  relations  by  person  afflicted  with  venereal  disease..  221 

State  police  department  214 

Venereal  disease,  protection  against 221 

Venereal  disease  ward  in  industrial  home  for  wmmen 220 

Linley  law  90 

Liquor  traffic 

Application  for  license  for  sale  of  liquor  (Law  recommended)  235 

Brewers  can  assist  in  enforcement  of  excise  laws 156 

Family  entrances  152 

Immorality  in  saloons,  etc 227 

Local  license  in  addition  to  government  permit 154 

Palm  gardens  152 

Prostitution  and  the  liquor  traffic 98 

Recommendations  in  regard  to  saloons,  etc 175 

Reports  of  other  commissions  101 

Reports  of  investigators  61 

Regulation  of  liquor  traffic 151 

Road  houses  156 

Sale  of  liquor  at  dance  halls  153 

Saloons  70 

Saloons  with  bedrooms,  etc 60,  155 

Saloon  licenses  to  limit  sale  to  one  floor,  etc 154 

Stalls  152 

Violation  of  moral  or  excise  laws  to  revoke  license  auto- 
matically   155 

Wine  rooms 152 


Madams 

Age  of  (Table)  209 

Length  of  time  in  business  (Table) 210 

Term  defined  16 

See  “Agents  of  prostitution” 


Index.  243 

Page. 

Mann  Act  as  applied  to  municipalities 169 

Law  recommended  212 

Mentality  of  prostitutes  (Table) 104 

Misdemeanors,  Trial  of,  in  certain  cases 

Law  recommended  235 

Morals  court  212 

Morals  or  public  welfare  department IGG 

Law  recommended  214 

Reports  of  other  vice  commissions 1G6 

Moving  picture  shows  and  vaudeville  theaters 75 

Nonenforcement  of  law  84 

See  “Enforcement  of  law” 

Occasional  prostitute,  The  18 

Palm  Gardens 53,  152 

Pandering 

Law  recommended  222 

Parents,  Responsibility  of  172 

Parental  control 110 

Parental  ignorance  and  neglect Ill 

Parks  77 

Parlor  houses  32 

Perverted  sex  life  in  males 115 

Physicians,  Testimony  of,  in  regard  to  venereal  disease 134 

Pimps  14 

Places  of  prostitution 

Assignation  houses  44 

Call  houses  32 

Parlor  houses  41 

Road  houses  32 

Rooming  and  lodging  houses 43 


244 


Report  of  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Page. 

Police  department,  State 

Law  recommended  214 

Police  women 

Law  recommended  214 

Police  records  of  Milwaukee,  Statistics  from 209 

Political  Power  82 

Prostitution  17 

And  the  liquor  traffic 98 

Wisconsin  laws  relating  to  prostitution  and  allied  subjects. . 65 

See  “Causes  of  prostitution.” 

Prostitutes 

See  “Inmates” 

See  “Madams” 

See  “Street  conditions” 

Public  clinics  160 

Punishment  of  male  offender  168 

Punishment  for  violation  of  moral  laws 

Law  recommended  223 

Quack  practitioners  161 

Questionaire  sent  to  district  attorneys 97 

Receipts  and  disbursements  of  committee  237 

Recommendations 

Dance  halls  176 

Education  177 

General  178 

Hotels  176 

Law  enforcement 174 

Lodging  houses  176 

Saloons,  etc 175 

Summary  of  178 

Women  ' 177 

See  “Laws  recommended” 

See  “Suggestions  for  improvement” 

Recreation  centers  _ 170 

Removal  of  officers 

Law  recommended  231 


Index. 


245 


Page. 

Restaurants,  cafes,  etc 57 

Law  recommended  227 

Road  houses  33 

Rooming  houses  and  lodging  houses 43 

Law  recommended  , 226 

Ross,  Statement  of  Professor  E.  A 185 


Saloons  70 

See  “Liquor  traffic” 

Segregation  26 

Arguments  in  favor  of 27 

Arguments  opposed  to  28 

Cities  having  segregated  districts.  List  of 38 

Sex  hygiene  170 

See  “Education” 

Sexual  phenomena.  Ignorance  of 108 

Social  centers  170 

Social  hygiene  170 

Special  institutions  for  immoral  girls  and  women 163 

Stalls  ; 152 

See  “Liquor  trafiic” 

State  police  department 

Law  recommended  214 

Statistics  from  police  records  of  Milwaukee 209 

Statutes  relating  to  prostitution,  Wisconsin 194 

Street  conditions  73 

Suggestions  for  improvement  168 

Bastardy  to  be  made  extraditable  offense 169 

Churches  and  religious  organizations 171 

Interest  of  parents  necessary 171 

Mann  Act  as  applied  to  municipalities  169 

Punishment  of  male  offender 168 

Responsibility  of  parents  172 

Social  hygiene  societies 171 

Social  and  recreation  centers  170 

Suppression  of  sensational  newspaper  articles,  so-called  sex 

plays  and  sex  books  173 

Teaching  of  social  hygiene  170 

Theatres  and  moving  picture  shows 171 

See  “Recommendations” 

See  “Laws  recommended” 


246 


Keport  op  the  Wisconsin  Vice  Committee. 


Page. 

Summary  of  work  of  committee 236 

Syphilis 

See  “Venereal  diseases” 

Tables 

Age  at  time  of  first  sex  offense 107 

Cities  having  recognized  districts 38 

Cities  having  immoral  places  not  officially  recognized 39 

Histories  of  inmates  20-22 

Hospitals,  Venereal  disease  in 131 

Illegitimacy  137-139 

Injunction  and  abatement  law 92 

Mentality  of  prostitutes 104 

Police  records  of  Milwaukee  under  segregated  district 209 

Theaters  75 


Unmarried  mothers,  Care  of 164 


Venereal  diseases  124 

Control  of  158 

Economic  loss  due  to 133 

Education  162 

Gonorrhea  159 

Hospitals  and  wards 161 

Protection  against  (Law  recommended) 221 

Public  clinic^  160 

Quack  practitioners  161 

Reporting  of  159 

Reports  from  hospitals  (Table) 131 

Syphilis  159 

Testimony  of  physicians  134 


White  slavery 15 

Wine  rooms 54,  152 

Women,  Recommendations  in  regard  to 177 


' -■  ^ 


/ '^:  ■ 


■'S 


fW^A  . " 


S. 


i": 


P^r?r'-:v 

'r-  ■ ■ "■■'  ■■'.  ^ 


y.-J  :.'-"''^Z‘-^ 


«■  '* 


y 


\ 


